Much has been written about the economic threats posed by tariffs and aggression from the government to the south. Billions have already been spent to shield Canadian industries, with tens of billions more likely to follow. But as we rush to safeguard our economy, we must ask: Should this be a blank check for business as usual, or can we use this moment to build a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future?

Even before Donald Trump’s presidency, unnatural climate disasters, overexploitation, and pollution were eroding planetary health. The climate crisis, biodiversity collapse, and economic insecurity for millions of Canadians have been decades in the making. Now, with the urgent need to invest in protecting our country, we have a rare chance to chart a better path.

Nature isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of our economy, our health, and our survival. Half of the world’s economic output depends on nature. In Canada, the services provided by parks and protected areas are valued at $150–500 billion. Nature gives us the air we breathe, the water we drink, and essential spaces for mental and physical well-being. Intact ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon, shielding us from the worst impacts of climate change, while wetlands and forests act as natural defenses against floods and wildfires. We are fortunate that these forests, grasslands, lakes, and oceans have been carefully stewarded by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, but this natural and cultural heritage is at risk.

Nature is in steep decline. Canada is home to 12,000 species at risk. Our old-growth and boreal forests — crucial for biodiversity and carbon storage — are disappearing. Grasslands and wetlands are vanishing at an alarming rate. Without urgent action, we risk not only environmental collapse but also the economic and social stability that depend on a healthy planet.

Nature Canada — with a network of over 1,200 local groups and 200,000 individuals — has developed a Nature Platform, a clear and ambitious plan to protect, restore, and expand access to nature for all Canadians. The platform calls for three key commitments from Canada’s next government:

1. Protect and Conserve Nature – Protect 30% of Canada’s land, water, and oceans by 2030. This includes safeguarding primary and old-growth forests, funding Indigenous Guardians Programs, and preventing genetic pollution that threatens wildlife.
2. Restore and Better Manage Nature – Restore 30% of degraded lands and waters by 2030, phase out federal subsidies that harm nature, and invest an additional $1 billion per year in nature-based solutions over the next five years.
3. Bring Nature to Everyone – Ensure that all Canadians have equitable access to nature by establishing a permanent Office of Environmental Justice and increasing green space in urban areas through the Natural Infrastructure Fund.

The external threats we face have united Canadians. There is broad consensus that we must protect our country from economic coercion. But it’s not just about resisting foreign pressure — it’s about preserving what makes Canada worth defending in the first place.

As we invest in our future, let’s make sure it’s one that is sustainable, just, and enduring. The opportunity is here. Let’s seize it.