© 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!
Lets build Canada better
With Ottawa’s plans to fast-track big new “nation-building” projects raising alarm bells, we wrote to New Brunswick’s MLAs to remind them that we’ve been down this road before, and it hasn’t ended well for nature or our communities. In a recent letter, our executive director, Beverly Gingras, urged our elected officials to consider projects that develop our province responsibly and protect our environment, health, and economy for future generations.
We asked our provincial leaders to strengthen environmental rules, properly fund assessments, hold polluters accountable, and prioritize sustainable projects. Better decisions today mean healthier communities tomorrow.
We also took our concerns to the national level, joining environmental groups across Canada, to push the federal government to invest in clean, affordable electricity instead of more fossil fuel projects.
Read both letters by clicking the buttons below:
Say no to more fossil fuels in New Brunswick
N.B. Power has announced plans for a massive new gas and diesel-burning power plant in Centre Village, and the public has a small window to weigh in right now.
The proposed project, run by an American company, would lock New Brunswick into decades of fossil fuel dependence, stretching operations to at least 2053. The plant could emit over 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year, wipe out over 14 hectares of wetlands and forests and strain local groundwater, all while undermining Canada’s and New Brunswick’s climate targets.
The project site is near vulnerable communities and habitat for at least nine species at risk. On top of that, the environmental assessment process has been rushed, giving New Brunswickers just 18 days to respond to a complex 180-page impact assessment.
Don’t let your voice be left out. Submit your comment before Aug. 1. Even a short message makes a difference. If you’re not sure what to say, here’s a brief sample you can use:
“This project would lock New Brunswick into decades of gas and diesel dependence, emit millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases, and threaten wetlands, wildlife and local water supplies. It puts rare species and vulnerable communities at risk while delaying progress toward our climate goals. There are cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy solutions available.”
View the project and submit your comment here:
Thank you, teachers!
With the 2024-2025 school year over, our Learning Outside team would like to thank all the outstanding teachers, students and school administrators who made this year a success!
Between April 2024 and April 2025, we delivered hands-on outdoor learning programs to 941 students across 51 class visits to schools throughout New Brunswick. Some of our most popular programs this year included Winter Adaptations, Atlantic Salmon Printmaking and Bay of Fundy 101. This past year, we focused more on climate change education and nature-based mental wellness strategies, which our team looks forward to continuing in the 2025-26 school year.
Looking ahead to next year, we’re also excited to announce that we will offer a stream of programming specifically tailored to helping newcomer youth feel supported and comfortable exploring New Brunswick’s awesome outdoors! We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Interested in scheduling a school visit for next year? Click below to book for fall 2025!
The latest on the diesel disaster
When more than 180,000 litres of diesel spilled from the Irving gas station in Woodstock, many nearby residents and New Brunswickers were left in the dark about just how serious the situation was. So we sent a letter to Premier Susan Holt, urging the government to step up transparency and take immediate action.
The premier responded to us in the letter below. We’re glad to see the government confirm that Irving Oil is officially responsible for cleaning up the mess and covering all associated costs. The Department of Environment and Local Government has promised more transparency and regular updates as it oversees the cleanup efforts.
While this is a promising step forward, we’ll be closely watching to ensure the government keeps its promise, holds Irving fully accountable for the cleanup, and works hard to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Glyphosate has got to go
Earlier this year, we met with Ministers LePage and Herron to discuss the widespread public concerns about glyphosate spraying in our forests. Recently, we followed up by asking the government for updates on the progress made since the 2021 committee report on pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate. New Brunswickers have clearly spoken: thousands have signed petitions against glyphosate spraying, demanding safer, healthier forests.
We’re urging the government to phase out harmful herbicides like glyphosate and explore safer, effective alternatives already proven in other regions. It’s time for New Brunswick to catch up.
We’ll keep pushing for action and transparency on this critical issue and share updates as we get them. Read more below:
Your voice matters: Speak up for a better budget
Do you want more investments in clean energy and a healthier environment? Now’s your chance to speak up! The federal government has opened public consultations for this year’s budget and wants to hear from you.
Tell Ottawa you want to see real investments in renewable energy like wind and solar projects and better support for energy-efficient homes and businesses. Investing in clean energy protects our environment, creates good jobs, and saves money on energy bills. It’s a win-win for our communities and our future.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Visit the consultation page and let them know renewable energy and environmental protection matter to you. Together, we can build a stronger, greener New Brunswick.
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
July 20, 2025 | This CBC story highlights the remarkable life of Hal Hinds, a Conservation Council founding member, pioneering gay rights activist, beloved teacher and expert botanist. Hinds’s legacy is now being celebrated in a new exhibit at the Fredericton Region Museum. Hinds helped launch the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, the Nature Trust, the Protected Areas Coalition and more while leading early 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy in the province, co-founding AIDS New Brunswick and offering support through a home-based coming-out helpline. His motto, “Learn them, love them, protect them,” applied to both plants and people, and it’s a message that still resonates deeply today. Read the full story.
July 17, 2025 | N.B. Power’s plan to build a new gas plant near Midgic is raising questions about jobs, emissions and water use. The project, led by U.S.-based Proenergy, promises over 100 construction jobs and 8–10 permanent positions once the plant is up and running by 2028. But while the company says the turbines will mostly run in “support mode” without burning fuel, our director of climate research and policy, Dr. Moe Qureshi, has said he’s concerned the plant could end up burning more natural gas than expected and contributing more to climate change. The public comment period for the project’s federal environmental assessment is open until Aug. 1. Read more.
July 16, 2025 | N.B. Power’s plan to keep the Belledune power plant running on wood is highly flawed. In this Rado-Canada interview, our director of freshwater and forestry, Marieka Chaplin, notes that switching the coal plant to biomass would be bad for our forests, our climate and our air. The recent report we’ve published shows that the province simply doesn’t have enough wood to fuel the plant sustainably, and burning biomass would still pollute and release greenhouse gases. Instead of investing in another polluting project, we’re urging the province to shut the plant by 2030 and put that money into local clean energy like wind, solar and battery storage — options that protect nature and create good, stable jobs. Read the story (French).
July 15, 2025 | New Brunswick’s biggest polluters pumped out less carbon in 2023, but still not enough to meet our climate goals. This CBC story uses data from our team at the Conservation Council. It reports that the gap between what companies are allowed to emit and what they actually release is getting wider. That’s costing them more in carbon credits, even though trading in the system has picked up. And while most emissions went down, Irving Oil’s Saint John refinery — the province’s biggest polluter — actually increased its emissions last year. Read more.
July 13, 2025 | N.B. Power wants to spend $300 million to switch its Belledune coal plant to burning wood pellets—but a new report we’ve published shows that plan could do more harm than good. This Telegraph-Journal story covers that report prepared for us by Juniper Law. The report warns the project could damage our forests, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and rely on expensive fuel shipped from Europe. The fact is, burning wood pellets is inefficient and would put extra strain on New Brunswick’s already stressed wood supply. Instead of propping up an outdated power plant, it’s time we shift to cleaner, local energy solutions like wind and solar. Read the story.