Leading ENGOs call for ambitious funding to tackle ‘intersecting crises’
OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHNAABEG PEOPLE, October 8, 2024 – The Green Budget Coalition (GBC) released a comprehensive set of strategic recommendations for the 2025 federal budget to address the climate and biodiversity crises while reducing future costs and improving affordability and quality of life for people across Canada. Appearing before the House of Commons Finance Committee today, the GBC highlighted the key investments and other fiscal measures required to protect Canadians from climate change and restore ecosystem health.
“Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to invest in the critical infrastructure needed to keep Canadians climate safe while improving economic opportunity,” said Jessica McIlroy, Green Budget Coalition Chair and the Manager of the Pembina Institute’s Buildings Program, on releasing the Coalition’s Recommendations for Budget 2025.
“Our recommendations reflect the level of ambition required at this time of intersecting crises. All of the actions outlined in this year’s recommendation document provide future benefit and return on investment.”
The GBC will also be advocating for the adoption of these recommendations at the upcoming biodiversity and climate-focused international conferences, and in the federal fall economic statement, across October and November.
The Green Budget Coalition’s five feature recommendations for Budget 2025 address:
- Delivering on nature commitments
- Retrofits for resiliency and affordability
- Sustainable Agriculture Strategy: Cultivating success
- Sustainable jobs for workers and communities
- Office of Environmental Justice
Twenty-two of Canada’s largest environmental and conservation organizations form the Green Budget Coalition, from Ducks Unlimited Canada to Greenpeace. Together, these groups have more than a million members and supporters, and decades of experience solving Canada’s biggest environmental challenges.
In addition to these five feature recommendations, the Coalition is advancing a diverse array of interrelated proposals, addressing issues including climate adaptation, electricity, sustainable finance, international climate and biodiversity finance contributions, transportation, a windfall profits tax, and carbon pricing.
For the detailed document, please see Recommendations for Budget 2025.
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See below for quotes from more Green Budget Coalition members.
Contact info for the Green Budget Coalition’s lead spokespeople:
Jessica McIlroy, Chair, Green Budget Coalition; and Manager, Buildings, Pembina Institute, 604-992-6462, jessicam@pembina.org
Andrew Van Iterson, Manager, Green Budget Coalition; 613-296-3263, avaniterson@naturecanada.ca
About the Green Budget Coalition:
The Green Budget Coalition, founded in 1999, brings together 22 leading Canadian environmental and conservation organizations to present an analysis of the most pressing issues regarding environmental sustainability in Canada and to make recommendations to the federal government regarding strategic fiscal and budgetary opportunities.
The Green Budget Coalition’s members are:
Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Canadian Environmental Law Association, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Canadian Wildlife Federation, David Suzuki Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ecojustice Canada, Ecology Action Centre, Équiterre, Friends of the Earth Canada, Greenpeace Canada, International Conservation Fund of Canada, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Nature Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Pembina Institute, Pollution Probe, West Coast Environmental Law Association, Wildlife Habitat Canada, WWF-Canada, and Y2Y Canada.
Quotes from Green Budget Coalition members:
“The costs of inaction on climate change and biodiversity loss are mounting day by day. The GBC is putting forward the most urgent federal investment opportunities for climate, nature, and affordability that will not just save money in the long run, they will save lives and protect the systems that support life on this planet.”
Emily McMillan, Executive Director, Nature Canada
“Bold action is needed to protect our land, freshwater and ocean, in order to save nature and support communities. Without it, much of the good work that’s been achieved in recent years could be undone. That’s why CPAWS is hopeful that the federal government will renew and enhance the investments they have previously made in order to deliver their commitments.”
Chris Rider, National Conservation Director, CPAWS
“Investments in wildlife conservation are investments in people and the economy. The Canadian Wildlife Federation is recommending the government invest in national conservation programs to restore natural areas, prevent and control invasive species, engage youth in conservation, and support industries such as agriculture and fisheries to reduce their impacts on wildlife.”
Sean Southey, CEO, Canadian Wildlife Federation
“Investing in nature-based solutions is vital for protecting ecosystems and enhancing the quality of life for Canadians. Safeguarding our land and natural habitats fosters resilient communities and sustainable economies. By prioritizing these actions, we can create a greener future that benefits both people and the planet.”
Renata Woodward, Executive Director, Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts
“As a family physician in Akwesasne, I see the health impacts of environmental injustice firsthand in my community’s high rates of cancer, autoimmune disease, and poor mental health. The federal government just passed a landmark law on environmental racism. Now the government needs to resource this commitment via an Office of Environmental Justice, alongside much-needed investments in climate action, biodiversity protection, and combatting toxic pollution.”
Dr. Ojistoh Horn, Board Member, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)
“Significant and sustained federal investment in public transit is crucial to achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. At Équiterre, we recognize that well-funded transit systems reduce emissions while improving social equity by offering affordable and accessible alternatives to private vehicles. The Green Budget Coalition’s recommendations provide a clear path forward, and we strongly encourage policymakers to embrace them, ensuring that Canada continues building greener, more resilient communities for all.”
Marc-André Viau, Director of Government Relations, Équiterre
“This year’s Green Budget Coalition recommendations and advocacy continue to provide a valuable tool for the Pembina Institute to communicate the importance of investment in a clean energy future. Budget 2025 presents a critical opportunity to ensure Canada stays on track to meet targets and the broad benefits that will be realized.”
Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute
“Ecology Action Centre is pleased to work with some of the nation’s best minds, from ENGOs across Canada, to propose costed, practical, reasonable and doable policy solutions to the biggest environmental challenges we face. Policymakers seeking wise counsel: this is where to find it.”
Chris Benjamin, Senior Energy Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
“Investing in nature is essential for both people and wildlife. By prioritizing the GBC recommendations we will see more nature protected and connected across large landscapes and have the best chance of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss at the scale that nature needs. We urge the federal government and all policy makers to seize the significant opportunity Budget 2025 provides to make strides in nature conservation for the benefit of us all.”
Dr. Jodi Hilty, President and Chief Scientist, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative