Nov. 5, 2026
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) welcomes the government’s continued commitment to nature in the 2026 Federal Budget.
“We are happy to see that nature continues to be a priority for this government even during a time of significant global economic uncertainty,” said Amanda Reed, Interim CEO. “The $3.7 billion investment in Canada’s Nature Strategy announced earlier this year is critical and we are pleased to see it protected in the 2026 Federal Budget.”
Throughout the year, CWF worked to advance key conservation priorities, such as:
Increased investment in restoration activities and Target 2 (the commitment to restore 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems by 2030);
Support to scale-up adoption of whale-safe gear to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale from rope entanglements while keeping harvesters on the water, and;
Additional resources for nature-based education and green skills training.
CWF welcomes Canada’s investments of $136 million over the next four years to protect marine ecosystems and species, and $740 million to keep coastal waters safe.
As marine traffic grows, whales are at risk of ship strikes. Critical Canadian industries like crab and lobster harvesting can also pose risks to the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale that is vulnerable to entanglements in buoy lines. For nearly a decade, CWF has collaborated with fish harvesters to trial whale-safe fishing gear and has led hundreds of on-the-ground training sessions to promote its use. We welcome the opportunity to work with the government to deliver on these important investments.
Canada is also honouring its commitment to invest in young people through the Youth Climate Corps, helping them to both connect with nature and to gain the skills and experience they need for careers in climate and environmental management. Starting this year, the government will roll out its $40 million investment in this program. CWF’s Nature-based Education program is dedicated to getting all Canadians, including children and youth, outside, fostering a love of nature, and helping them make the link to careers in conservation.
While we are pleased to see Canada continue its commitment to conservation and protection efforts, there is still much to do to develop and fund key priorities such as habitat restoration. Well-designed restoration projects create jobs in planning, engineering, ecological design, native seed and plant supply, construction, and stewardship.
More targeted investments in the scientific assessment and designation of species at risk through the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) will also continue to be a priority for CWF.
“We need to continue to invest in the conservation and recovery of species and habitats; not only for the benefit of wildlife, but because building Canada strong means taking a nature-positive approach to economic growth and ensuring a clean and resilient future for all Canadians,” Reed said.
For more information: media@cwf-fcf.org
