Statement: CPAWS response to “A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature”

Photo: Markus Thalassia - Kayaker greeted by whale

Economy | Government and Policy

Sandra Schwartz | March 31, 2026

Today’s federal Nature Strategy announcement marks an important step forward for nature protection in Canada.

With a commitment of $3.8 billion through 2030, the federal government has signalled that nature remains a national priority and that protecting it is essential to Canada’s economy, resilience, and future.

The strategy includes investments in conservation, marine protection, Indigenous-led stewardship, and new protected areas. This investment helps keep Canada moving toward its commitment to protect at least 30% of land, ocean and freshwater by 2030, a goal that people across the country strongly support.

This progress reflects years of leadership and advocacy from Indigenous Nations, conservation partners, local communities and supporters like you. Together, you helped keep nature on the national agenda.

At a time of economic uncertainty and a rapidly changing world, this decision is an important reminder that nature is not a luxury; it is essential infrastructure.

Healthy forests, wetlands, grasslands, coasts and freshwater systems support communities, strengthen our economy and help make Canada more resilient.

Protecting nature is also an investment in people and communities. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, protected and conserved areas contributed $10.9 billion to Canada’s GDP and supported 150,000 jobs. With stable investment, these benefits can continue to grow.

“It’s encouraging to see elements of this announcement reflect long-standing recommendations from CPAWS, including recognizing the economic value of nature and committing to advance work on natural capital accounting.”

Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director of CPAWS.

Photo: Michael Burzynski
Hikers in Gros Morne, NL

This announcement is an important step, but its value will depend on what happens next. The focus now must be on implementation, particularly how the government advances the strategy’s three pillars: protecting nature, building Canada well by aligning development and economic priorities with nature, and valuing nature and mobilizing capital, including through work on natural capital accounting to better incorporate nature into long-term economic decision-making. The test now is whether these commitments lead to durable protection on the ground.

Reaching Canada’s conservation goals will require continued effort, and we remain committed to working constructively with the federal government to turn this renewed commitment into lasting results for nature, communities and future generations.

Together, you helped keep nature on the national agenda. To everyone who has spoken up for nature — thank you. Your voice has helped bring us to this moment, and it will continue to matter in the work ahead. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us keep this momentum going.

Sandra Schwartz
National Executive Director,
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society