Nature groups warn federal funding cuts endangering efforts to protect land, water

By Canadian Press on March 16, 2026.

OTTAWA — Conservation groups say millions of dollars in federal funding meant to protect endangered land and water is about to run out.

Canada has committed to protecting 30 per cent of its terrestrial and coastal areas by 2030 and was only about halfway to that target by the end of 2024.

The promise was reinforced in the Liberal election platform last year.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, the heads of four environmental advocacy groups criticized the lack of clarity on whether the funding will be renewed.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s departmental plan, published on Friday, budgets $366 million for nature conservancy efforts, while last year’s budget earmarked more than $900 million.

Emily McMillan, executive director for Nature Canada, says with just weeks to go before the funding is set to expire, there’s been no word from Ottawa on whether the money will be replaced.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2026

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press

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