© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2025
In this edition of EcoNews, we’re raising our voices to help build a cleaner, fairer future for New Brunswick and all of Canada. As Ottawa pushes ahead with fast-tracked “nation-building” projects, we’re urging provincial and federal leaders not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Additionally, read on to find out how you can air your concerns with N.B. Power’s plans for a new gas plant in Tantramar.
Scroll down to also find updates on the diesel spill in Woodstock, how we’re standing up to glyphosate spraying and the incredible impact of our Learning Outside program over the past year and book outdoor education sessions for your school in the year ahead. Plus, learn how you can speak up for a greener federal budget!
No free pass for N.B. Power’s costly fossil fuel plant
N.B. Power is trying to avoid an Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) review of its proposed 500-megawatt gas and diesel plant in Tantramar, even though the deal would leave ratepayers on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars.
That is why the Conservation Council is calling for a full public review of the project, because New Brunswickers deserve a say in our energy future. This deal will lock New Brunswickers into hundreds of millions of dollars in payments, fuel costs and other expenses — just like any other major capital project — and should not bypass any oversight.
Our director of climate research and policy, Dr. Moe Qureshi, argued just that when he appeared before the EUB this month, calling for a thorough review of the project. If you speak legalese, read Dr. Qureshi’s written argument, which he submitted to the EUB:
Now, we know those EUB documents are dense, and most people don’t have time to sit through hours of hearings when they’re live (that’s why we do!). So if you want to learn more about the proposed Tantramar plant, including why it’s a bad idea for New Brunswick and how you can take action, check out our factsheet here:
Explore the Bay of Fundy’s hidden wonders and support local conservation efforts!
We’re inviting you to join the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and CPAWS-NB for a very special day on the Bay of Fundy, Saturday, Sept. 27!
Join us for a three-hour whale-watching tour led by our own Fundy Baykeeper, Matt Abbott, and CPAWS-NB’s Danielle Hak. Together, they’ll guide you through the remarkable biodiversity of the Bay and share why protecting these waters is so important. Tickets are $200 per person (includes a $100 charitable tax receipt), with light snacks and refreshments provided. All proceeds directly support the work of the Conservation Council and CPAWS-NB.
Spots for the cruise are limited, so don’t wait. Reserve your ticket today and be part of this unforgettable day!
Hey, teachers! Get those kids outside!
Teachers, ready to take learning beyond four walls? The Conservation Council invites schools to join us for the 2025–26 school year and experience the power of outdoor education.
Our Learning Outside program offers climate and environment-focused lessons directly linked to curriculum goals. Each 45 to 60-minute session is designed to be hands-on and engaging, with expert facilitators who bring nature to life for students.
Research shows outdoor learning helps kids focus better, boosts achievement and strengthens social skills. It is also a refreshing break from screens and inspires students to care for the environment!
Ready to get started? Book your spot below:
A better budget for a better future
We told Ottawa loud and clear this summer: it’s time to make life more affordable and greener at the same time. The Conservation Council’s federal budget recommendations call for big investments in clean energy like wind and solar, and help for families to retrofit their homes with heat pumps and better public transit. We also pushed for stronger protections for nature and real support for Indigenous leadership. The payoff is lower bills, good local jobs and a healthier, more resilient New Brunswick and Canada for everyone.
Read our full recommendations for the upcoming federal budget:
Newcomers: Help shape outdoor learning for newcomer youth
Are you new to New Brunswick and raising children here? The Conservation Council wants to hear from you! We are creating inclusive outdoor learning opportunities for newcomer youth, and your experiences and ideas can help guide the way.
By sharing your perspective in our short survey, you will be helping us design programs that reflect the needs and strengths of newcomer families across the province. Your voice matters and will be essential in shaping future outdoor education in New Brunswick.
Take the survey today and help us build a more welcoming and inclusive outdoor learning experience. If you’re not a newcomer, feel free to share with someone you know who is!
Learning, nature’s way
Young people today are inheriting enormous environmental challenges, which is why it’s more important than ever for students to understand what’s happening and feel empowered to take action. That’s why the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Environmental Network and Nature NB are partnering to launch Learning Nature’s Way — an exciting new nature education initiative for New Brunswick schools.
This project, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, will build a network of environmental educators across the province to get students learning outside, exploring nature and discovering how they can make a real difference in their communities.
Learn more about the benefits of outdoor learning, the steps we have taken so far for the project and how schools can get involved by clicking the button below!
Electric school buses are for everyone
Electric school buses are coming to more communities across Canada, promising cleaner air and healthier rides for kids. However, a new report notes that some families and school districts could be left behind if we do not plan carefully.
Embedding Equity in Canada’s Transition to Electric School Buses, released by CESBA, looks at the whole picture—from where bus batteries come from to how buses are built, used and eventually retired. The report highlights practical steps to ensure rural schools, families with tighter budgets and local workers all benefit from this transition instead of incurring extra costs or risks.
With careful planning, electric school buses can deliver cleaner air, better student health, and a fair deal for communities across the country.
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
Sept. 20, 2025 | Scientists in New England are developing new models to better predict where endangered North Atlantic right whales will appear by tracking the tiny zooplankton they feed on. Our marine program director, Matt Abbott, tells the CBC that this research is vital for helping decision-makers work with industries like shipping and fishing to reduce, and ideally eliminate, deadly entanglements and ship strikes that threaten the species’ survival. Read more.
Sept. 19, 2025 | The federal impact assessment agency has determined no further federal review is needed for the proposed 500 megawatt gas and diesel plant on the Chignecto Isthmus. The decision comes despite detailed submissions from the Conservation Council and others, as this story by Bruce Wark notes. Read more.
Sept. 16, 2025 | Plans to refurbish Saint Andrews’ historic Market Wharf have been put on hold after town council cancelled the tender when all bids came in millions over budget. In this CBC story, our marine program director, Matt Abbott, said he was not surprised by the outcome, given rising infrastructure costs, and called the decision prudent, urging the town to work with the community on a new vision that protects both the environment and the needs of local people. Read the story.
Sept. 7, 2025 | How can we take action on climate change and stay hopeful? Our director of education and engagement, Danielle Smith, sat down with CBC’s Maritime Connection call-in show to talk about how scary and overwhelming climate change can be, and how we can connect that anxiety with care and local action. Listen here.
Sept. 5, 2025 | The EUB recently held hearings to weigh whether the proposed natural gas plant in Tantramar should face a full regulatory review. Our director of climate solutions, Dr. Moe Qureshi, attended the hearings and joined others in calling for a comprehensive review, stressing that such a costly, long-term commitment must be scrutinized to protect ratepayers and the province’s energy future. Read the CBC’s story. Read the coverage in Brunswick News. Read the NB Media Co-Op’s coverage.
Aug. 29, 2025 | With more than 300 wildfires already this year, New Brunswick needs to rethink how it manages its forests. Research shows that softwood tree farms dominated by conifers are far more flammable, while mixed forests are more resilient to fire. In this interview, our executive director, Beverly Gingras, called for greater forest diversity, warning that current forestry practices are leaving rural communities and the forestry industry vulnerable in a hotter, drier climate. Read the story here. During the interview, Bev also spoke about the connection between herbicide spraying and wildfires. While that part of the interview unfortunately wasn’t published, you can check out this CBC Subury story that dives into the issue.
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:
Jenn, Ashton, Josephine
Not a member? Join us today by clicking below!