© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2026
In this edition of EcoNews, we’re taking a hard look at a mining project being pushed as “nation-building, ”and why New Brunswick deserves better. From the controversial Sisson Mine to the massive gas and diesel plant proposed for the Chignecto Isthmus, we break down what these developments mean for our land, water and communities, and share how our team is pushing for smarter, safer paths forward.
We also bring you important updates on the federal budget, a new study showing electric school buses are a practical, cost-saving solution for our province and our call to protect one of Lamèque Island’s last intact peatlands. Plus, as Giving Tuesday approaches, we share how your support powers the independent advocacy and community-driven environmental work New Brunswick needs right now!
Proposed Sisson mine is no 'nation-building' project
True nation-building comes from investing in clean energy, efficient homes, sustainable forestry, watershed restoration and nature-based tourism, not massive mining pits and toxic waste. The proposed Sisson Mine — a massive open-pit tungsten and molybdenum project planned for the upper Nashwaak River watershed — made the federal government’s so-called nation-building projects list, despite being far from one.
The project 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. This enormous facility would sit upstream from critical cold-water habitat for wild Atlantic salmon and trout, and above communities that depend on clean water for drinking, recreation, fishing, tourism and local business.
Our press release following the announcement calls for a better path forward than this proposed scar on New Brunswick, one that strengthens communities, protects water and leaves future generations with a positive legacy.
Donate and enter to win!
Giving Tuesday is just around the corner on Dec. 2, and we want to share why your support is especially meaningful this year and how we’re thanking those who choose to give.
When you donate $200 or more before December 31, you’ll receive a Conservation Council T-shirt or long sleeve (just email info@conservationcouncil.ca with your info), plus an entry into a draw for a $100 gift certificate generously donated by Consciously Clean Refillery. You’ll also receive one entry for every $25 you give toward a hand-embroidered loon hat created by our education co-ordinator, Annie Furman!
Most importantly, your donation powers the independent advocacy, science-based research and education programs that protect New Brunswick’s forests, water, air and communities. With major decisions ahead that will shape the province for generations, flexible support from donors is essential.
If you’ve been considering a year-end gift, now is a perfect time! Your support keeps New Brunswick’s environment strong for everyone, and all gifts made by Dec. 31 are tax-deductible.
Troubling Tantramar plant needs comprehensive review
The Conservation Council of New Brunswick has joined other environmental organizations to call on governments to use natural solutions to protect the Chignecto Isthmus from the destructive impacts of climate change.
In this open letter, we say combining traditional measures like dykes with natural protections — like restoring salt marshes and wetlands — will better guard against flooding, erosion and rising seas. These natural defences also store carbon, clean water and create homes for fish and birds.
We’re urging governments to work with Indigenous communities and keep wildlife movement in mind while mitigating the effects of the climate crisis in the area.
Also, take a moment today to send a letter to your MLA asking them to support a full, transparent environmental review of the Tantramar gas and diesel plant. It only takes a minute, and every letter helps!
Budget blues: Feds miss the mark on environment
Canada already knows what works to build a better country, like investing in renewables, restoring ecosystems, protecting clean water and supporting community-led climate action.
That’s why the latest federal budget was a big let-down.
The budget offered small steps on clean electricity but little to address the worsening crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and water insecurity. In our press release following the budget drop, Conservation Council executive director, Beverly Gingras, said the budget leaves major holes in Canada’s environmental safety net, noting that none of our recommendations on freshwater protection, wetland restoration, Indigenous-led conservation or environmental education were reflected.
While new tax credits for wind, solar and clean electricity could help New Brunswick strengthen its renewable grid, expanded incentives for liquefied natural gas and carbon capture risk extending fossil fuel dependence. The end of the Greener Homes Grant and lack of funding for electric school buses also make it harder for households and provinces to shift to cleaner, more affordable options.
It’s time for federal leadership to finally invest in the bold solutions we need to build a cleaner, better Canada. Read more by clicking below:
A clear path for electric buses in New Brunswick
A new feasibility study for the Atlantic provinces shows that New Brunswick is well-positioned to make major progress in electrifying its school bus fleet.
This change would significantly cut pollution, protect children’s health and lower long-term operating costs.
New Brunswick currently operates the largest school bus fleet in Atlantic Canada, producing more than 21,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. The study found that up to 79 per cent of New Brunswick’s bus routes could be electrified with a combination of overnight and mid-day charging, and that switching to electric buses would reduce emissions by more than 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Over time, the province would also save money on fuel and maintenance compared to diesel buses.
This transition is a clear, practical, achievable step toward cleaner air, quieter neighbourhoods and healthier communities. You can check out the full study below:
Pushing back on problematic peat harvesting plan
New Brunswick’s peatlands and bogs are vital resources that store vast amounts of carbon, filter water and provide critical wildlife habitat. Yet, these areas are threatened by industrial harvesting despite their importance to community health and biodiversity.
Scotts Canada is planning a proposed peat harvesting project at the Cap Bateau Bog on Lamèque Island, and we are calling on the provincial government to reject this plan and recognize the importance of conserving these critical areas.
With up to 80 per cent of Lamèque Island’s bogs already harvested, the Cap Bateau Bog represents one of the last remaining intact wetlands in the area. Local residents have also voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about groundwater, air quality and climate impacts.
In the letter below, we urge the province to prioritize conservation over industrial extraction by protecting Cap Bateau Bog and including peatland preservation in its climate and land-use planning. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity, community health and fighting climate change. Read the full letter by clicking the button below:
Time to supercharge plans for sustainable jobs
Shifting away from polluting fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy is a fantastic opportunity to ensure our energy economy benefits everyone, not just a few. That’s why our team has submitted detailed recommendations to the federal government for its four-year sustainable jobs plan.
Our submission calls for a fair transition that creates good, green jobs while ensuring no one is left behind in the shift to a low-carbon economy. We urged the federal government to focus on community-based climate solutions, housing retrofits and regional training programs that prepare workers for careers in renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation.
Our plan also stresses the need for more support for Indigenous, rural and underrepresented workers, and proposes a National Youth Climate Corps to engage young Canadians in meaningful climate work.
By embedding fairness in every part of Canada’s clean economy, we can build an energy workforce that powers a healthier, better future for all!
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
Nov. 23, 2025 | At a packed public meeting in Sackville, our executive director, Beverly Gingras, told residents that the proposed 500-megawatt Tantramar gas plant is “20th-century technology to fight a 21st-century problem.” Bev raised concerns about the project’s massive water use, wildlife impacts and lack of transparency from N.B. Power and ProEnergy. Read more.
Nov. 21, 2025 | The Conservation Council and the Protect the Chignecto Isthmus Coalition have been accepted as official interveners in the upcoming Energy and Utilities Board hearings on the proposed Tantramar gas and diesel plant. This gives our team the right to present evidence and question witnesses as N.B. Power pushes to fast-track approval for the project. Coalition members also met with Environment Minister Gilles LePage to press for a full environmental impact assessment, but the minister refused, continuing to support a limited determination review. Read Bruce Wark’s coverage here.
Nov. 20, 2025 | The Conservation Council has joined other environmental groups in opposing the Sisson mine. This NB Media Co-op commentary by Lawrence Wuest highlights concerns about the mine’s risks to water, wildlife and community health, including new research raising alarms about potential links between industrial emissions and higher rates of ALS in New Brunswick. Read more.
Nov. 14, 2025 | This Brunswick News story highlights our opposition to the proposed Sisson Mine alongside growing concerns from residents in the region. Our statement opposing the project stressed that New Brunswick shouldn’t gamble its water, health and communities on a mine with such significant environmental risks. Read more.
Nov. 14, 2025 | This story by Global News shares our serious concerns after the federal government placed the Sisson Mine on its “nation-building projects” list. Our executive director, Beverly Gingras, warned that the project would destroy large areas of land and would carry major risks, pointing to past disasters. Communities, not mining companies, are left to deal with the long-term fallout when projects of this scale fail, Bev notes. Read the full story.
Nov. 9, 2025 | Ottawa missed a key opportunity to lead on the environment in this year’s budget. In this story, our executive director, Beverly Gingras, warned that the budget offers only small steps on clean electricity while failing to protect biodiversity, clean water and communities from growing environmental risks. Dr. Moe Qureshi also noted that ending the Greener Homes Grant and creating uncertainty around electric vehicle incentives will make it harder for families to choose cleaner, more affordable options. Read more.
Oct. 22, 2025 | At a rainy rally outside the New Brunswick legislature, our education and engagement intern, Islay Hayward, joined community members and Indigenous leaders in speaking out against the proposed Tantramar gas and diesel plant. Islay told the crowd that young people are being forced to think about climate anxiety instead of their futures. Her remarks echoed our message that this project threatens the land, air and water that young New Brunswickers are counting on. Read the full story here.
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:
Justin, Pamela
Not a member? Join us today by clicking below!