The case for investing in nature has never been stronger. Budget 2026 is an opportunity to turn Canada's commitments for nature into measurable outcomes for communities, the environment and the economy. Through A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature, the federal government has recognized that nature is essential to a strong, resilient and prosperous Canada. Canadians agree: 96% believe nature should be positioned as one of Canada's most valuable economic assets.
Healthy ecosystems — from forests and farmlands to wetlands and coastal waters — underpin Canada’s food security, economic prosperity, climate resilience and community well-being. As the federal government works to strengthen Canada’s economy and build more resilient communities, investing in nature offers practical solutions that create lasting benefits for people and the environment. The opportunity now is to move from commitment to delivery by ensuring Canada's nature, climate and Indigenous reconciliation goals are supported by the necessary investments, partnerships and implementation capacity.
As the Secretariat of Canada's Nature Advantage, Nature United supports the network's recommendations to attract investment, strengthen nature-positive working landscapes and unlock the economic value of nature through better data, finance, markets and policy.
In addition, Nature United recommends four actions that can help accelerate implementation of A Force of Nature:
- Affirming the Government of Canada’s support and capacity to deliver on nature initiatives with provinces, territories and Indigenous rightsholders;
- Ensuring that major projects contribute to nature positive outcomes while adhering to the mitigation hierarchy;
- Supporting a new vision for mobilizing private and philanthropic capital towards measurable outcomes in Yukon; and
- Building the resilience and sustainability of Canada’s fisheries as a cornerstone of coastal communities’ well-being.
Together, these actions can help move Canada from commitment to delivery. Budget 2026 is an opportunity to invest in healthy ecosystems, strong communities, Indigenous leadership and a more resilient economy. Nature United looks forward to working with the federal government to help deliver lasting benefits for people and nature.
Nature United was founded as a Canadian charity in 2014, building on decades of conservation in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, our organization has field staff located across the country. Nature United supports Indigenous leadership, sustainable economic development and science and large-scale conservation, primarily in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Manitoba. Our organization is also working to accelerate Natural Climate Solutions at national and regional scales. To learn more, visit natureunited.ca or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
We are the Canadian affiliate of The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organization with more than a million members and a diverse team that includes more than 1,000 scientists. Our global organization works in 86 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 45 through partners) to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. To learn more, visit nature.org.