“Elbows up for Nature”: Canadian public perceptions of Nature and Nature conservation in national identity and security
Christopher J. Lemieux, Tatyana Feiner, Justine Townsend, Kirsten Scott, and Andrea Olive. | April 2026.
As governments debate how to build Canada's future, Canadians are clear: nature matters. From national identity and well-being to economic prosperity and security, Canadians see healthy ecosystems as essential to the Canada they want today and for generations to come. Read the full journal article and explore key findings below.
What does nature mean to Canadians today? Explore national insights on nature, conservation, identity, and the future we want to build.
What Canadians Told Us
84.8%
Nature is central to Canadian identity
90.4%
See nature protection as essential for the long-term prosperity of Canada
77.4%
Nature is essential for ensuring long-term national security in Canada
83.9%
Nature protection should remain a priority regardless of which political party is in power
65.5%
In an increasingly polarized world, nature can foster unity in Canada
Nature is personal
Nature is part of everyday life in Canada. It is where we hike, paddle, fish, camp, gather with loved ones, and find space to recharge. Canadians consistently connect nature with their physical and mental well-being, quality of life, and sense of belonging. Far from being separate from our lives, nature is woven into the experiences, places, and memories that shape who we are.
Nature is national identity
Nature is part of what unites Canadians. From local greenspaces to iconic wilderness landscapes, the natural world helps shape our sense of place, belonging, and national pride. Canadians believe that protecting nature means protecting something fundamental about who we are and the country we want to pass on to future generations.
Nature is prosperity
Canadians increasingly reject the idea that nature and prosperity are opposing goals. Healthy ecosystems support clean water, recreation, tourism, climate resilience, and local economies. Respondents consistently linked nature protection with long-term economic well-being, suggesting that conservation is viewed as a foundation for prosperity rather than an obstacle to it.
Nature is security
From wildfire resilience and water security to climate adaptation and food systems, Canadians increasingly see nature as part of national security. Healthy ecosystems help communities withstand environmental change and reduce geopolitical risk. The findings suggest that conservation is connected to stability, resilience, and preparedness for future challenges.
Nature is ambition
Canadians want more than promises about protecting nature someday. They support ambitious action today that can deliver benefits for current and future generations alike. As new generations step into leadership roles, the expectation is clear: protecting nature is not simply about leaving a legacy; it is about building a country where people and nature can thrive together right now.
Why This Matters Now:
Government discussions are increasingly focused on housing, affordability, infrastructure, energy, and nation-building. At the same time, environmental protections are facing pressure to be weakened or delayed.
This research suggests Canadians do not see nature as separate from these conversations. Instead, they view healthy ecosystems as part of the foundation for prosperity, security, quality of life, and national identity.
The findings point to an opportunity: building Canada’s future does not require choosing between nature and progress. Canadians increasingly see the two as interconnected.
If nature is part of who Canada is, then protecting it should be part of how Canada moves forward.
Elbows Up for Nature
Bypassing environmental safety checks for industry, isn’t progress.
Related Resources
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Land and Freshwater, Parks and Protected AreasWhere We Feel Our Best
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ConservationNature Shapes Who We Are, As Canadians
