Ottawa (October 23, 2025) – Amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and change, the Green Budget Coalition (GBC), comprising organizations with over one million members and supporters, has released a set of recommendations for the 2025 federal budget which focuses on protecting what Canada values and making progress to secure a safe and healthy future.

“Investing in our environment means investing in our health and our economy,” said Robb Barnes, Green Budget Coalition Chair, and Climate Program Director for the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. “In times of uncertainty, we must safeguard what matters most to Canadians—clean air, safe water, stable climate, and thriving communities—while making progress on building the economy we need.”

The Green Budget Coalition’s five feature recommendations for Budget 2025 address:

1. Preserving federal environmental capacity
2. East-West electricity grid based on renewables
3. Climate resilient housing
4. Delivering on Canada’s nature commitments
5. Permanently funding Chemicals Management Plan

In addition to these five feature recommendations, the Coalition is encouraging swift action on a wide array of interrelated proposals, including sustainable finance, industrial carbon pricing, fossil fuel subsidies, public transit, electric vehicles, climate adaptation, nature-positive agriculture, and freshwater.

The Green Budget Coalition has been discussing versions of these recommendations with key federal political and department officials since July, including senior officials in the Finance Department and the Prime Minister’s Office over the last few weeks.

The Green Budget Coalition comprises twenty of Canada’s largest environmental and conservation organizations.  Together, these groups have more than a million members and supporters, and decades of experience solving Canada’s biggest environmental challenges.

For the detailed document, please see Recommendations for Budget 2025 and Budget 2026, which includes on page 6 a table showing the alignment of the Coalition’s feature recommendations with the Prime Minister’s seven mandate letter priorities.

See below for quotes from more Green Budget Coalition members.

Contact info for the Green Budget Coalition’s lead spokespeople:

Robb Barnes, Chair, Green Budget Coalition; and Climate Program Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, (613) 276-5753, robb@cape.ca

Andrew Van Iterson, Manager, Green Budget Coalition; 613-296-3263, avaniterson@naturecanada.ca

About the Green Budget Coalition:

The Green Budget Coalition, active since 1999, brings together 20 leading Canadian environmental and conservation organizations to present an analysis of the most pressing issues regarding environmental sustainability in Canada and to make recommendations to the federal government regarding strategic fiscal and budgetary opportunities.

The Green Budget Coalition’s members are:

Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Canadian Wildlife Federation, David Suzuki Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ecojustice Canada, Ecology Action Centre, Équiterre, Friends of the Earth Canada, International Conservation Fund of Canada, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Nature Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Pembina Institute, Pollution Probe, West Coast Environmental Law Association, Wildlife Habitat Canada, WWF-Canada, and Y2Y Canada.

Quotes from Green Budget Coalition members:

Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician and President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, said:

“As physicians, we see firsthand how choices about the environment directly translate into health benefits or harms, and healthcare savings or costs. That’s why CAPE is adding our voice to the Green Budget Coalition in calling on the government to move forward, not backward, on environmental progress. Investments in areas like a clean electricity grid, climate-resilient housing, nature, and protecting people from toxic chemicals and environmental injustices will pay dividends for our health.”

Lisa Gue, National Policy Manager, David Suzuki Foundation, said:

“Prime Minister Carney has promised a budget that will ‘build a stronger Canada.’ A healthy environment is foundational. Federal funding for nature, climate action and pollution prevention are investments in Canada’s long-term resilience and prosperity, and support the well-being of people in Canada. With several current important environmental initiatives in need of new funding, we’re looking to Budget 2025 to confirm the resources needed to deliver results.”

Maggy Burns, Executive Director, Ecology Action Centre, said:

“Whether we’re talking about energy poverty rates in the Maritimes, increased wildfire risk on the West Coast or anything in between, Canadians are struggling. The crises we face – from affordability and the economy to biodiversity loss and climate change – are all connected. So too are the solutions. If Prime Minister Carney truly wants to build a stronger Canada, the 2025 budget must facilitate the funding needed to protect the ecosystems we rely on, ensure the resilience of our communities and move Canada toward an affordable, clean energy future.”

Muhannad Malas, Director of Law Reform, Ecojustice, said:

“As Canadians witness economic and environmental crises converging, the federal government must put people, communities and our environment at the forefront of this year’s budget. Communities at the frontline of climate and toxic pollution, and critical federal investments that protect life-giving ecosystems must not be sacrificed to serve the interests of polluting industries and wealthy corporations.

“The upcoming federal budget will have lasting impacts on the kind of future that we need to build. It is crucial that the federal government upholds its progress on protecting ecosystems that communities rely on, accelerating nature restoration, reducing climate emissions and safeguarding people from toxic chemicals by prioritizing the renewal of federal investments in these areas.”

Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director, CPAWS

“Canadians are deeply connected to the land, waters and ocean that shape their lives. They aren’t just scenic backdrops — they’re sources of food, culture, recreation, communities and economic prosperity. Canada doesn’t need to choose between development and environmental protection. We need leadership that understands they are inseparable. We need clear assurances that nature is being treated not just as a holiday destination but as a vital economic asset that belongs in the budget.”

Emily McMillan, Executive Director, Nature Canada, said:

“Listening to the voices of those who speak for nature is the moral responsibility of every elected official in this country. With our GBC partners we have been working hard to make sure that voice is heard. Nature defines what it is to be Canadian in a critical moment for our national identity. The investments we make to protect and restore it will be the legacy we pass to the next generation of Canadians.”