© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2026
In this edition of EcoNews, we share opportunities to learn more about the future of New Brunswick’s forests through our ongoing winter webinar series. You’ll also find ways to get involved in efforts to stop the proposed Sisson Mine, highlights from an amazing clean energy partnership showing what collaboration can achieve and an update on our push to modernize New Brunswick’s outdated Clean Air Act. Also, keep scrolling to meet the newest member of our team!
Winter webinars: Rethinking forestry in New Brunswick
Our lunchtime winter webinar series on forests and ecologically based forestry is off to an amazing start! The first session on Jan. 20 with Dr. Matthew Betts was a fascinating look at how forest management choices affect biodiversity and carbon storage in New Brunswick.
This three-part series brings together leading scientists and forestry experts to examine how forests are managed today, what the science tells us and how more sustainable, ecologically grounded approaches can protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and support local livelihoods.
And there’s still room to join in for our upcoming webinars!
On Feb. 3, Dr. Tom Beckley will explore what New Brunswick’s forests were, what they are today, what they could become, and what they should be. And on Feb. 17, Dr. Cindy Prescott will focus on the role of healthy, diverse soils in building resilient forest ecosystems. Sign up to join the conversation below!
Help stop the Sisson Mine
If built, the Sisson Mine would create one of the largest open pits in Atlantic Canada and a tailings waste site so large it would cover all of downtown Fredericton. The site would sit upstream from critical cold-water habitat for wild Atlantic salmon and trout, and above communities that rely on clean water for drinking, recreation, fishing, tourism and local businesses.
Despite these risks, the federal government has labelled the Sisson Mine a so-called “nation-building” project. We strongly disagree, and we’re organizing a broad coalition to stop it.
Want to be part of this effort? Fill out our survey to join or support the Coalition to Stop the Sisson Mine. Whether you’re an individual or part of an organization, there are many ways to get involved, from sharing information to lending skills or helping organize:
A New Brunswick clean energy success story
Strong partnerships are helping build a cleaner, stronger future for New Brunswick. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is proud to work alongside the Centre of Excellence for Energy, SWEB Energy, New Brunswick Community College and Woodstock First Nation to show what’s possible when educators, Indigenous leaders, conservation groups and renewable energy developers come together.
A new video featuring our director of climate research and policy, Dr. Moe Qureshi, highlights how these partnerships are creating opportunities for students and advancing clean energy projects that strengthen local communities and the provincial economy. Check out the video by clicking below:
Everyone deserves clean air
Air pollution is linked to thousands of premature deaths in Canada each year, and we believe every New Brunswicker deserves strong legal protection for the air they breathe. Yet, New Brunswick’s Clean Air Act hasn’t been updated since 1997.
That’s why the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, along with the New Brunswick committee of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, have submitted recommendations calling for a major overhaul of the law.
Our recommendations include bringing the province’s three separate ‘clean’ laws together into a single Environment Act, strengthening limits on harmful emissions and setting clear, enforceable standards for fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. We are also calling for modern monitoring and enforcement tools so air quality rules are transparent and actually protect people. Check out the full document we submitted below:
Standing together for New Brunswick
Thank you to everyone who supported the Conservation Council of New Brunswick in 2025. Your donations helped us protect clean air and water, speak up for communities and push for smarter choices for the air, forests and oceans that make this province so special.
Because of your support, we were able to bring solid research, clear voices and practical solutions into decisions that affect New Brunswickers every day. This work only happens because people like you believe a healthier, more resilient future is possible.
If you’ve already donated, thank you for standing with us. If you didn’t get a chance, there’s still time. A year-end donation helps strengthen our work in the months ahead, when major decisions on energy, mining and environmental protection are still unfolding.
Welcome to the team, Katelyn
We’re excited to welcome Katelyn Plant as the Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s new Director of Communications and Marketing. Katelyn brings more than a decade of experience in the non-profit sector and a strong passion for using communications to build community and drive positive change.
With a background in environmental studies, digital strategy and graphic design, Katelyn has spent her career supporting youth empowerment, community development and sustainability programs. A lifelong nature lover, she’s inspired by people and organizations working to create a greener, more just world.
We’re thrilled to have Katelyn on board and look forward to the creativity, leadership and strategic insight she’ll bring to the Conservation Council’s outreach!
Send your letter and help protect nature
New Brunswick’s promise to protect at least 15 per cent of the province for nature is under threat, as industry interests push to weaken protections and shrink future protected areas.
Yet, two-thirds of New Brunswickers support protecting 30 per cent of our lands and waters by 2030. So now is the time to make your voice heard. Please take a moment to send this CPAWS-NB letter calling on the provincial government to protect nature from industrial development.
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
Jan. 19, 2025 | Speaking at a public meeting in Moncton opposing N.B. Power’s proposed 500-megawatt gas plant on the Chignecto Isthmus, our climate research and policy director, Dr. Moe Qureshi, said the utility is relying on outdated and increasingly expensive fossil fuel technology instead of cleaner, cheaper alternatives. He noted that the costs of wind, solar and battery storage continue to fall, while gas and diesel plants expose ratepayers to long-term financial risk from volatile fuel prices. Read Bruce Wark’s coverage.
Jan. 6, 2026 | In this Radio-Canada report on the proposed peat extraction project at Cap-Bateau, Conservation Council of New Brunswick forest and freshwater conservation director Marieka Chaplin explains that more peatlands need permanent protection to help fight climate change. She explained that peatlands store large amounts of carbon and water, helping reduce wildfire risk and flooding, and that disturbing them releases carbon built up over thousands of years. While restoration can help over time, Marieka says protecting peatlands is one of the most effective and natural ways New Brunswick can protect its climate, water and communities. Read the story (French).
Dec. 24, 2025 | In this interview with the CBC, our climate research and policy director, Dr. Moe Qureshi, said N.B. Power could ease pressure on the electricity system by reducing demand instead of building new power plants. He explained that peak demand — when everyone uses electricity at the same time — puts the most strain on the grid, and that smarter pricing, efficiency upgrades and demand-response programs could lower bills and reduce the need for new generation. Moe tells the broadcaster that simple changes in when and how people use power could help avoid costly infrastructure while keeping the lights on. Read more.
Dec. 19, 2025 | In this N.B. Media Co-Op story, our executive director warns that a new federal-provincial deal to speed up project approvals could weaken environmental protections in New Brunswick. She said the agreement may rely on the province’s weaker review process, reducing scrutiny of projects that affect local air and water. Gingras cautioned that rushing approvals in the name of economic growth risks putting people’s health and the environment at risk, explaining that New Brunswickers should not have to choose between good jobs and clean air and water. Read more.
Welcome new members!
We’re always so excited to grow our Conservation Council community. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:
Kimm
Not a member? Join us today by clicking below!