Canada Nature Strategy Announcement in the Midst of Concerning Cuts – Available for Comment
Public Funding is Vital to Ecosystems Canadians See as Core to Their Identity
Media Statement: For Immediate Release, March 31st, 2026
Sierra Club Canada is awaiting the Canadian Government’s announcement of a new Nature Strategy today and we are available for comment.
While hoping this strategy will be comprehensive, the organization is deeply concerned about the prospect of a nature strategy that does not include adequate funding or that relies on market solutions to protect nature.
“We have seen time and time again that the profit motive is not a reliable way to protect nature, that we need safeguards and public sector funding to truly protect the environment we depend upon and value. What’s concerning is that the Federal government has already cut critical capacity in keeping Canadians safe from wildfires and other climate impacts, as well as capacity to contain oil spills and ensure dangerous goods move safely on our railways (1,2) – this puts nature and people in danger.” says Gretchen Fitzgerald, Executive Director at Sierra Club Canada.
“Our ecosystems are the foundations of local resilience for many communities in Canada and are more important than ever to that resilience in an uncertain world. Many people rely directly on local nature in rural and remote regions. But nature is also a core part of our identity and valuable in and of itself. That’s what we will be looking for today, a true – funded – commitment to nature.”
According to polling by Ekos (from April, 2025), 89% of Canadians see nature as having a positive impact on their national Identity, and nature is the top contributor to Canadian national identity, landing far above even hockey. Nature is also followed by national parks at 83% as the second highest source of identity. (see: https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2025/04/nature-tops-list-of-most-resonant-sources-of-national-identity/ )
Sierra Club Canada is also trying to advance approaches like the Rights of Nature. Those interested can learn more in two podcasts below:
- Start Thinking About Things Getting Better with Gilbert Whiteduck & Yenny Vega Cardenas about Rights for the Tenàgàdino Zibi / Gatineau River & Magpie River: https://www.sierraclub.ca/gatineau-river-rights-nature/
- The Rights of Nature – It’s Weird Not to Acknowledge Them: https://www.sierraclub.ca/nature-rights-law-canada/
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For interviews please contact: Media@sierraclub.ca
Other sources / relevant reporting:
1) https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whatonearth/environment-canada-cuts-9.7073623
2) https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/05/news/cuts-natural-resources-canada-wildfire-flood
