During their election campaign we celebrated the Liberals commitment to nature, now that they're in office, their budget pre-consultation questionnaire doesn’t even mention nature…
Here are suggestions based on the government's promises and our Nature Platform, framed as specific, actionable budget requests that you can use in the "Other" section of the consultation form. You can pick and choose the ones that matter most to you, or use them as inspiration to write your own. Reminder: you only have until until 11:59pm. EST on August 28, 2025 to have your say!
Suggestions on How to Frame Your Response
Start with a clear statement about why you are using the "Other" category. For example:
"I am concerned that the pre-budget consultation does not have a dedicated category for nature, biodiversity, and conservation. These are critical for Canada's health, economic resilience, and meeting our international climate and biodiversity commitments. I urge the government to allocate dedicated funding in the upcoming budget to fulfill its promises to Canadians. Specifically, I recommend funding for the following:"
Here are their promises turned into specific budgetary asks, organized by their questions.
1. How can the government build one strong economy today and for the future?
Frame your answer around how investing in nature is a direct investment in Canada's economic resilience, innovation, and long-term prosperity.
Sample Answer:
"A strong, modern economy is built on a healthy environment. The government can build economic strength and create jobs by:
- Investing in Nature-Based Infrastructure: Funding the promised nature-based climate solutions is a cost-effective way to build resilience. Restoring wetlands and urban green spaces prevents billions of dollars in damages from flooding and extreme weather, protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
- Boosting the Tourism Sector: Following through on the promise to create 10 new national parks and 15 urban parks will generate significant, sustainable tourism revenue for local economies across the country.
2. What are the most important ways the Government of Canada can help Canadians in their day-to-day lives?
Focus on the direct benefits of nature to health, well-being, and affordability for families.
Sample Answer:
"The government can best help Canadians in their day-to-day lives by investing in their health and making life more affordable. Key ways to do this are:
- Supporting Mental and Physical Health: Funding the creation of 15 new national urban parks provides accessible, free-to-use green spaces where Canadians can exercise, de-stress, and connect with their communities. This directly improves health outcomes and reduces strain on our healthcare system.
- Ensuring Access to Clean Water: Fulfilling the promise to enshrine First Nations' right to water into law—backed by full funding for infrastructure and maintenance—is one of the most fundamental ways to support the daily health and dignity of people in communities across Canada."
3. What is your highest priority when it comes to Canada’s defence and security?
Broaden the definition of security to include climate and environmental security, which are recognized as major threats by our own military and allies.
Sample Answer:
"My highest priority is ensuring Canada's security against modern threats, particularly climate change and challenges to our Arctic sovereignty.
- Climate Defence: Climate-related disasters like wildfires and floods are now a primary cause of instability and require military deployment. A key defence strategy is proactive investment in nature-based climate solutions to protect Canadian communities and infrastructure before disasters strike.
- Arctic Sovereignty: The most effective way to protect our security and sovereignty in the north is to empower the people who live there. Establishing the promised Arctic Indigenous Guardians program would create a network of 'eyes and ears on the ground,' providing critical environmental monitoring and asserting Canadian presence in this strategic region."
4. What is one suggestion you have for how the federal government can support you or your community?
This is your chance to make it local. Pick the promise that would have the biggest impact where you live.
Choose the one that fits your community best:
- (If you live in a city): "My one suggestion is to fund a new national urban park in my community. This would provide essential green space for thousands of residents, improve our local environment, and offer a place for our kids to play and connect with nature."
- (If you live in a coastal community): "My community depends on a healthy ocean. My suggestion is to establish more Marine Protected Areas.
- (If you live near a potential conservation area): "My suggestion is to support local Indigenous-led conservation and Guardians programs in my region. This empowers the traditional stewards of the land, creates sustainable jobs, and protects the biodiversity that my entire community relies on for clean air and water."
