© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2026
In this edition of EcoNews, we’re inviting you to get involved! Join the conversation on rising energy costs and register to take part in a hands-on event. We’re also bringing back our popular forestry webinar for a special Earth Week session, sharing a powerful story about energy affordability here in New Brunswick and highlighting why better solutions are within reach for our electricity future. Keep scrolling to also find a chance to become a member and win tickets to the Moncton Boat & Sportsmen Show!
Forestry webinar returns for Earth Week
Back by popular demand, we’re bringing you another forestry webinar on April 21 from 12-1 p.m. for Earth Week!
Join the Conservation Council of New Brunswick for a special Earth Week webinar with Dr. Anthony R. Taylor (UNB) exploring how ecological forestry could help restore biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and support the long-term health of the Wabanaki Forest.
Register for this free, educational and engaging webinar below:
Membership contest alert!
Thinking about becoming a member of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick? Now’s a great time. Sign up by March 31 for a chance to win two tickets to the Moncton Boat & Sportsmen Show, happening April 10–12.
Already a member? Thank you for your support! You’re automatically entered.
Not a member yet? Sign up by March 31 to be included. Want an extra entry? Find our post on Facebook or Instagram (@conservationcouncilnb), comment “I’m a member!” and tag a friend. We will send you a message to confirm your membership info.
Click below to become a member:
Want to buy tickets to the show? As a thank you to newsletter subscribers, click below for a promo code for $3 off admission!:
A Community Conversation About Energy Affordability
Many New Brunswickers are feeling the impact of rising energy costs. The Conservation Council wants to hear from you so we can share your concerns, solutions and ideas about energy affordability with decision-makers and push them to make better choices.
Join us on Saturday, April 18, at Tire Shack Brewing Co. in Moncton from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for a community conversation about energy affordability and the future of electricity in our province. This is your chance to learn more about what’s driving costs, ask questions and share your ideas for better solutions.
Click below to find out more and register to attend:
Keeping the heat on with a fixed income
Energy and Utilities Board hearings to review N.B. Power’s proposed rate increase have just ended, but for people like Maddie, electricity is already unaffordable.
On a fixed income, she’s paying about $300 a month, forcing choices between food and heat. Her story shows why energy efficiency matters. Simple fixes can lower bills, improve comfort and reduce emissions.
Click the button to check out Maddie’s story:
Skutik Sessions - A riverside storytelling gathering
Join our director of education and engagement, Danielle Smith, for Mindfulness and Moss on April 12 from 12-4 p.m. Through reflection, storytelling and grounding exercises, participants in this free workshop will explore their experiences and connect with others. Using slow stitching, you’ll create a small textile ‘moss’ piece that will be part of a larger collaborative ‘bed of moss.’
This workshop brings together art, nature and community to support resilience in challenging times.
New Brunswick gets failing grade on electric buses
The Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance has released its new report card on electric school buses, and New Brunswick has received a failing grade.
New Brunswick is well behind provinces like P.E.I. and Quebec, but the good news is we can still catch up. Clear plans to hit targets, including funding programs and infrastructure planning, would get us in the right lane on fleet electrification, the report finds. Check it out by clicking below:
What are the alternatives to the Tantramar gas plant?
In a new video, Dr. Moe Qureshi breaks down the alternatives to N.B. Power’s proposed Tantramar gas and diesel plant, and why cleaner, more affordable options are within reach.
This conversation comes as the next phase of Energy and Utilities Board hearings approaches, running from March 31 to April 2. These hearings will examine a proposed expansion of the project, adding another 100 megawatts to the original plan, with electricity generated from fossil fuels and sold to Nova Scotia.
The Conservation Council will continue to participate in the hearings, with support from East Coast Environmental Law, to push for better solutions.
We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in New Brunswick’s print, radio and television media. Last year, our staff appeared in the media more than 50 times to shed light on ongoing environmental issues and success in New Brunswick. Here are some of the biggest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary this year:
Conservation Council in the News
March 18, 2025 | This story by the Energy Mix mentions our concerns with the Tantramar gas and diesel plant, linking to Dr. Moe Qureshi’s presentation on the proposed fossil fuel plant. Read more.
March 3-5, 2026 | Earlier this month, New Brunswick released its new minerals strategy. Our executive director, Beverly Gingras, spoke with the media about the strategy, noting it failed to explain how the province will protect the people and communities who may live with the damage these mining projects can cause:
Read the Global News story.
Read the NB Media Co-op story.
Watch Bev’s NB Media Co-op interview.
Read the CBC’s story.
Listen to the Information Morning interview.
March 2, 2026 | Our director of marine conservation, Matt Abbott, recently held storytelling sessions to help community members reconnect with the St. Croix/Skutic River. “We realized that the damage to the fish and damage to the river (caused by the Milltown Dam) also caused cultural and social damage,” Matt said. Read the CBC story. Watch Matt’s interview.
We’re always so excited to grow our Conservation Council community. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:
Not a member? Join us today by clicking below!