Nature on the federal balance sheet: Time to stop funding the problem
Economy | Government and Policy
As the federal government calls for belt-tightening and fiscal reform, it’s time to take a hard look at where billions of taxpayer dollars are really going.
A new report by economist Dave Sawyer, commissioned by CPAWS, reveals that the federal government is spending $5.7 billion each year on subsidies to industries like agriculture, fisheries, forestry, aquaculture, and mining that play a role in Canada’s economy — but are actively undermining our climate and nature goals as well.
In this time of biodiversity and climate crisis, how can we justify public money flowing into activities that destroy habitat, pollute water, and accelerate climate change?
Even worse, much of this spending is poorly tracked, with little evidence that it’s delivering the outcomes Canadians expect.
There is a path forward. The report outlines a clear five-step plan to align our public spending with our public values—protecting nature, fighting climate change, and unlocking $5.7 billion annually to invest in a better future.
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