‘Our economic resilience must be rooted in nature,’ WWF-Canada says in response to federal budget 2025

WWF Canada

Budget 2025 is a missed opportunity to invest in nation-building restoration efforts 

Ottawa, Nov. 4, 2025 – The federal budget tabled today in the House of Commons focuses heavily on capital spending, national defense, housing, and economic growth through almost $90-billion in new spending. However, Canada’s long-term sovereignty, prosperity and identity are deeply rooted in nature, and World Wildlife Fund Canada believes the government is missing an important opportunity to restore our natural infrastructure with this year’s budget. 

Nature was barely mentioned in the 493-page budget document, appearing just four times. Instead, the government announced the following: 

  • The possible end of the oil and gas emissions cap, if certain conditions are met. 
  • A reduction in spending to Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 
  • A lack of new funding for nature or initiatives that will help Canada meet its international commitments to protect and restore biodiversity. 

The winding down of the 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program is troubling, given the benefits it has already delivered for Canada’s environment and communities. Despite its challenges, the program has played a vital role in restoring habitat and strengthening the resilience of forests to the growing impacts of climate change. Even though the government will honour the commitments it has already made to the program, including to WWF-Canada, we’re disappointed to see 2BT end at a time when nature-based climate solutions are needed most. 

“Nature is not a luxury; it is one of Canada’s defining characteristics. Its rich ecological diversity underpins our economy and is at the heart of our communities,” Megan Leslie, WWF-Canada president and CEO, said. “The federal budget missed an opportunity to ensure Canada’s long-term prosperity and well-being by investing in growth that strengthens both our economy and our ecosystems, which is what Canadians want and need. We were promised a ‘generational investment’, but that must include investments in future generations as well.” 

A missed opportunity for nature restoration 

Nature restoration is about recovering lands and waters damaged by human activities like urban development, pollution and resources extraction. WWF-Canada was pleased to see that the Build Community Strong Fund includes initiatives related to climate adaptation, which can and should include investing in nature to build resilience.  

When we invest in the restoration of forests, wetlands and other habitats, it helps protect the communities and industries that rely on them, providing services such as water purification, pollination, climate regulation, and ensuring food security in remote and northern communities 

Investing in large-scale restoration efforts can create “nation-building” opportunities that rebuild habitats for wildlife and people, store carbon and support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. By investing in nature now, we also build resilience to the future impacts of climate change. 

“Restoration is critical and requires resources, and the contribution of policymakers and communities,” Leslie added. “The federal government’s leadership is crucial to identifying ecological challenges and knowledge gaps, funding new projects, collecting data and tracking results. Nature must be part of the agenda, combined with sustained investments in restoration to help bring back healthy ecosystems for wildlife, nature and people.” 

WWF-Canada’s most recent Living Planet Report Canada 2025 revealed that in the last 50 years, more than half of the 910 species studied declined in abundance. Without investment in nature, we risk destabilizing the ecosystems that both wildlife and people depend on.  

“The need for ecological restoration in Canada is an urgent, nation-wide undertaking,” Leslie said. “It is imperative that nature’s recovery becomes a national priority. The window to effect real, long-term positive change for the planet is closing, but we know there is still time. With Regenerate Canada, WWF-Canada’s 10-year strategic plan, we’re already effectively tackling the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Now, we need the federal government to uphold its own commitments and invest in a real plan to safeguard nature.” 

About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit wwf.ca.  

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