Traditional territory of the Wabanaki Peoples/Fredericton – The 2025 federal budget takes small steps on clean energy, but fails to confront the deeper, interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and water insecurity threatening communities across the country.
“This budget leaves major holes in Canada’s environmental safety net,” said Beverly Gingras, executive director of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. “It offers incremental progress on clean electricity, but virtually nothing to protect the lands, waters and species that make life possible. Canadians needed leadership, but we only saw hesitation.”
The lack of funding for biodiversity, protected areas and pollution prevention is alarming. Earlier this year, the Conservation Council submitted comprehensive recommendations urging the federal government to invest in renewable energy, freshwater protection and wetland restoration, Indigenous-led conservation and expanding environmental literacy and community-based climate programs. None of those priorities were reflected in the budget.
This is especially concerning given the federal government’s commitments to Canadians and the international community to halt biodiversity loss, expand protected areas and reduce pollution — commitments that this budget fails to reflect in any meaningful way.
“Canada cannot build a resilient economy on a deteriorating environment,” Gingras said. “Ignoring biodiversity, clean water and pollution prevention will only increase the costs of disasters, disease and displacement. Every dollar we fail to invest now will cost communities tenfold later.”
Meanwhile, the budget’s new tax credits for wind, solar and clean energy projects can help N.B. Power and communities move toward a reliable, renewable grid. The reaffirmed Clean Electricity Regulations, tougher methane rules and stronger carbon pricing signal that Canada still intends to meet its climate targets. These measures can attract investment and help cut pollution here at home.
However, expanding tax breaks for liquefied natural gas and extending incentives for carbon capture risk keeping Canada hooked on fossil fuels when we should be building more affordable renewables, storage and efficiency. New Brunswick needs clear, dedicated funding for public transit, major building retrofits and a stronger east-west electricity connection to phase out coal and avoid new gas plants.
“These mixed signals undermine Canada’s clean-energy transition,” Gingras said. “We need a clear, co-ordinated plan that ends fossil fuel subsidies and redirects funding toward affordable renewables, efficiency and public transit.”
Additionally, with no new dedicated funding immediately available for electrifying school bus fleets, provinces also risk falling behind on the transition to provide children with safe, clean and healthy transportation to and from school.
It is also concerning that key supports for households have been cut. Ending the Greener Homes Grant, along with uncertainty about electric-vehicle rules and rebates, will make it harder for families to switch to cleaner options and manage energy costs. Without these programs, people will stay tied to oil and gas prices set outside Canada.
“Canadians wanted a budget that protects both their wallets and the planet,” said Dr. Moe Qureshi, the Conservation Council’s director of climate research and policy. “Instead, this budget makes it harder for households to choose clean options.”
Despite the missed opportunities, there is a clear path forward.
“We know what works — investing in renewable energy, restoring ecosystems, protecting clean water and building public understanding of the environment,” said Gingras. “Canada has the expertise, the technology and the community leadership to create good jobs and lasting resilience. What’s missing is the federal investment to turn these solutions into action.”
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Kyle Reid, Senior Communications Coordinator, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | kyle.reid@conservationcouncil.ca | 506-458-8747
Dr. Moe Qureshi, Director of Climate Research and Policy, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | moe.qureshi@conservationcouncil.ca | 506-458-8747