Canadians Care About Nature

Family camping and playing cards by the water. — Photo: Colin

Conservation | CPAWS News & Stories

September 17, 2026

Nature is woven into the lives of Canadians. It’s the first camping trip where a child stays up past bedtime watching the stars over Algonquin or Fundy National Park. It’s learning to fish with a grandparent on a northern lake, spotting whales off Newfoundland’s South Coast, or hiking through alpine meadows with your best friends in the Rockies.

For Indigenous Peoples, these connections stretch back countless generations, rooted in a responsibility to care for the land and water that sustain life. These experiences shape who we are, and remind us that healthy ecosystems support thriving communities, local economies, and future generations.

At CPAWS, we see that connection every day. Our donors, supporters, volunteers, and partners speak up for the places they love, and research shows they’re far from alone. An overwhelming majority of Canadians believe nature is essential to our country’s future and support stronger conservation efforts. The stories and voices in these pages reflect a simple truth: caring for nature isn’t the exception; it’s part of what connects Canadians from coast to coast.

What nature means to Canadians

Waterfall in a river surrounded by boreal forest. — Photo: Sunrise over the Wabigoon River located in Northwest Ontario by Gordon Pusnik

“From Zoboomafoo to a Master of Environmental Science, I’ve always been drawn to the science of life. I study and experience nature through birds, insects, fish, and the landscapes of Toronto. I believe all life is sacred, and I am doing all I can to play an active role in mitigating the biodiversity and climate crises.”

Anike, Toronto (Ontario)

“From childhood fishing trips to alpine hikes and coastal forests, I’ve always been drawn to wild places. I love being in the mountains, especially hiking through meadows in full bloom or remote backcountry trails. Now retired, I continue to explore nature while contributing to climate action and environmental protection.”

Rich, Port Moody (British Columbia)

“Every day, I take my students outside to play and connect with their surroundings. Learning in nature transforms relationships, health, and understanding. I believe helping children notice and learn from their environment builds stewardship for the future.”

Dana, Calgary (Alberta)

“As Indigenous people, we have rights of harvest and title in our territories […] with every right, comes a responsibility. We don’t see the lands, waters and ice as resources, we see it as our home.”

Former Chief Danielle Shaw – Wuikinuxv Nation, Pacific Coast

Canadians stand behind nature

Research consistently shows that Canadians value nature and expect governments to protect it. Across regions, age groups, and political perspectives, there is broad agreement that conserving nature is essential for Canada’s future.

75%

Nature is important to Canadians’ sense of identity.

Nearly three-quarters of Canadians say nature is very or extremely important to who they are.

90%

Nature is essential to Canada’s prosperity.

Canadians recognize that healthy ecosystems support healthy communities, resilient economies, and future generations.

80%

Nature contributes to a safe and prosperous Canada.

People see conservation as an investment in both environmental and economic wellbeing.

87%

Support Canada’s 30×30 commitment.

More than half believe protecting 30% of Canada’s land and ocean by 2030 should be only the beginning ¹.

Canadians take action for nature

Across the country, people aren’t just expressing support for conservation; they’re taking action. Whether writing elected officials, sharing their stories, volunteering in their communities, or speaking out for threatened landscapes and seascapes, Canadians are helping shape a future where nature thrives.

During the past year, CPAWS chapters worked alongside thousands of supporters who demonstrated just how powerful collective action can be.

Group of children running along a trail. — Photo: master1305

Newfoundland & Labrador – Protecting the South Coast

Kayak on a Canadian lake. — Photo: Julie Baggs

When the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador ended discussions around establishing a National Marine Conservation Area on the South Coast, people across the province responded.

Through CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador’s campaign:

1,126 letters were sent to provincial leaders.
Community members signed postcards and shared their support at public events.
Scientists and local voices spoke publicly about the importance of protecting one of Canada’s most remarkable marine ecosystems.

“Seeing so many people speak up for Newfoundland and Labrador’s South Coast was a powerful reminder that this place matters deeply to people. It shows there is strong public support for a future where healthy oceans, thriving communities, and conservation go hand in hand. That support gives us hope for protecting one of the province’s most extraordinary coastal regions.”

– Tanya Edwards, Executive Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick – Standing up for protected forests

Call to action to protect nature in New Brunswick by sending a letter to the federal government.

When a proposed land exchange threatened protected areas, New Brunswickers made their voices heard. Working alongside partner organizations, CPAWS New Brunswick mobilized supporters across the province.

Results included:

1,103 letters sent to government
1,200+ campaign engagements
240 new supporters
Municipal leaders engaged across the province
National and regional media coverage

“This winter, New Brunswickers showed what is possible when people come together to defend the places they love. In one of our most inspiring advocacy campaigns to date, more than 1,000 passionate supporters sent letters to the Premier and the Minister of Natural Resources to defend protected areas from possible clearcutting.

Because of this collective effort, the government made the right decision and rejected the forestry industry’s proposal to exchange protected areas for lands that may already have been harvested. This outcome is a powerful reminder that when people speak up for nature, decision-makers listen. Together, we showed that New Brunswickers value protected areas and expect them to be safeguarded in perpetuity.”

Roberta Clowater, Executive Director, CPAWS New Brunswick

NATURE ISN’T JUST WHERE CANADIANS GO. IT’S PART OF WHO WE ARE.

Across Canada, people are demonstrating that protecting nature is more than an environmental issue—it’s an expression of identity, responsibility, and hope. Whether through everyday experiences outdoors, supporting conservation efforts, or speaking up when nature is at risk, Canadians continue to show that they care deeply about the places that sustain us all. Together, these voices are helping build a future where nature and people thrive.

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