© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2025
In this edition of EcoNews, we’re digging into research on N.B. Power’s troubling biomass plan, as well as grassroots environmental action and hope on the Bay of Fundy. You’ll also meet our new freshwater and forest conservation director, Marieka Chaplin and hear from Faith Mambo about dealing with energy affordability troubles in two countries. There’s also a new opportunity for young people to get hands-on with environmental change through Invasives Canada’s Youth Eco Stewards program. Read on to learn more!
Belledune biomass isn’t the answer
N.B. Power wants to convert the Belledune coal plant into Canada’s biggest biomass-burning station, calling it a cleaner energy solution. But this latest report, which we’ve worked with Juniper Law to publish, finds this plan would damage our forests, raise carbon pollution and hurt local communities.
The report finds that running the plant full-time would need more wood than our forests can provide, forcing N.B. Power to import fuel and drive up emissions. Local forests would be stripped of trees and ground material supporting soil, wildlife and long-term forest health. Even though wood pellets burn cleaner than coal, the carbon released would take decades to be reabsorbed, undermining New Brunswick’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals.
The evidence shows that biomass isn’t a solution. It’s nearly time to retire the Belledune plant and invest in small, local renewable energy instead.
Welcome to the team, Marieka!
We’re so excited to welcome Marieka Chaplin as our new director of freshwater and forest conservation! Raised on a small farm in Carleton County, Marieka grew up between woods and fields, planting gardens, caring for animals and walking the same forests her family harvested with care. That early bond with the land shaped a lifelong passion for protecting it.
Over the past 20 years, she’s worked across the province as a biologist, educator and environmental leader, working to restore rivers, training volunteers and speaking up for the health of our forests and waterways.
Read more about Marieka and why she needs your support for this important work by clicking below:
The Many Versus The Money
What happens when New Brunswickers unite to take on climate change, poverty and corporate power? At a packed town hall in Moncton, our director of climate research and policy, Moe Qureshi, joined a panel discussing these big issues.
The event, organized by Sierra Club Canada and co-sponsored by the Conservation Council, inspired grassroots energy around key campaigns like opposing N.B. Power’s planned gas-fired power plant north of Moncton and protecting wetlands in Lorneville near Saint John.
Click the button to see a video of the event on the NB Media Co-Op’s YouTube page, or read the story in the NB Media Co-Op below.
Plus, if you want to have your say in the movement against fracking in Atlantic Canada, sign Sierra Club’s pledge:
Fighting for affordable energy and a cleaner future
Faith Mambo, our energy and climate change co-ordinator, knows what it’s like to struggle with energy usage—both in Zambia, where her family rationed power, and in Fredericton, where drafty windows and high bills forced her to wrap herself in blankets and study in the library to stay warm. Now, with the Conservation Council, Faith works with New Brunswickers also facing challenges around energy affordability.
One in four people in our province struggles with energy affordability, often forced to choose between other essentials and power. It doesn’t have to be this way. With insulation, efficient windows and heat pumps, we can cut pollution and costs, but only if these solutions are accessible to everyone. Read more about Faith’s story and work below:
‘There’s still every reason to have hope’
In this clip from episode four of Jimmy Saves The World, Jimmy MacKinley heads to the Bay of Fundy to learn how local action is protecting marine life and preserving coastal ecosystems. Featuring our very own marine program director and Fundy Baykeeper, Matt Abbott, this episode is a reminder that real change is possible when we stand up for the places we love. Watch the full clip by clicking below, or subscribers can check out full episodes on Bell Fibe TV1.
Huge shoutout to Steam Powered Studios Inc. for this amazing episode!
Environmental opportunity for youth!
Do you want to make a real difference for the environment and build skills for your future? Invasives Canada is looking for young people to join its first-ever Youth Eco Stewards program!
This program is all about getting hands-on with the environment, whether that’s learning to plan local projects, creating social media content or helping out with community outreach. You’ll gain real experience through workshops, field activities and team projects, all while making a positive impact where you live. It’s totally free to join, and costs like travel, materials, childcare and even event fees are covered.
Whether you’re into science, storytelling or just want to help your community, this is your chance to learn, connect and lead.
Find out more by clicking below:
An awesome coastline cleanup
Our very own marine program director and Fundy Baykeeper, Matt Abbott, in partnership with his local Cubs group and the Hunstman Marine Science Centre’s #DebrisFreeFundy program ran a big beach cleanup on Minister’s Island as part of the Paddlefest Music & Nature Festival, in Saint Andrews.
Even in the rain, nearly 40 people, including some of our staff, came together to remove trash from the shorelines. Remember to properly dispose of your trash when you visit the beaches this summer, and maybe pick up a few extra pieces along the way!
Bringing nature to the Legislature
Real environmental change in New Brunswick starts with strong political plans backed by public support. So, Conservation Council staff and staff from environmental organizations across New Brunswick met with MLAs from all three parties at the first-ever Nature at the Legislature in May. The event was a great opportunity to push the environment as a front and centre priority in political discussions.
A big thanks to Nature NB for leading this event and to Nature Canada for providing training!
The future of science is bright
Our education and engagement team went to the Canada-wide Science Fair in Fredericton, June 5 and 6, to teach young people how science and sustainability go hand in hand. Nearly 400 student finalists from across Canada showcased cutting-edge projects in climate, energy, health and more, and we were thrilled to be able to take part!
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
June 18, 2025 | In this CBC story, our marine program director, Matt Abbott, says Saint Andrews residents are right to be concerned about the town’s plan to rebuild Market Wharf. When solid structures like infill are added to the coastline, they can change how tidal energy moves and cause unexpected damage to nearby shores, he says, urging the town to take more time to understand the long-term impact. Matt warns that not enough has been done to predict what the project could mean for the coast. Read more.
May 29, 2025 | Dr. Moe Qureshi, our director of climate research and policy, tells Brunswick News about his concerns with the federal and provincial push to speed up environmental assessments for mining projects. He emphasized that the core issue is not how long assessments take but whether governments have enough staff and resources to do them properly. Without that capacity, streamlining the process could lead to rushed decisions, missed risks and long-term environmental damage. He also pointed to New Brunswick’s backlog of more than 1,000 contaminated sites as evidence that the province already struggles to manage environmental oversight effectively. Read the story.
May 23, 2025 | This story covers some big issues with a controversial plan to expand the Spruce Lake Industrial Park. Opposition to the project has been growing, with concerns about long-term damage to the environment and a consultation process that some say left out key voices, including the Wolastoqey Grand Council. We have written a letter to Saint John council urging it to delay the project until the full environmental impacts are better understood. Read the CBC story.
May 16, 2025 | Our executive director, Beverly Gingras, tells the CBC that environmental groups across the province are deeply worried about the future of the Environmental Trust Fund. Once a steady source of support for environmental work, the fund is now running on savings and rejecting more applications than ever before. Bev says environmental groups understand just how valuable the program is, and fear that without long-term funding, important work to protect New Brunswick’s environment could be left behind. Read more.
May 14, 2025 | This story about the gas price loophole shielding fossil fuel companies from the cost of federal pollution regulations notes that our team has argued that the focus shouldn’t just be on the cost at the pump but on the climate. We want the Energy and Utilities Board to take climate action seriously by adopting a clear mandate to support carbon-neutral emissions. As the government delays its promise to remove the gas price loophole, we continue pushing for plans that help both people and the planet. Read more in Brunswick News.