Oceans North Celebrates Significant Government Investment in Conservation Jobs, Nature Protection
March 31, 2026
OTTAWA—Today, the federal government released its long-awaited plan to help protect nature in Canada, providing $3.8 billion towards conservation.
“We’re happy to see Canada meaningfully invest in its commitment to protect 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030 and continue to fund locally led conservation initiatives,” says Sheena Kennedy, Executive Director of Oceans North.
Safeguarding nature, including our marine and freshwater ecosystems, underpins the health, stability, and prosperity of our communities. Healthy ecosystems regulate climate, store carbon, and protect against extreme weather while directly contributing to local livelihoods. For many Indigenous and coastal communities, these environments are inseparable from culture, knowledge, and ways of life.
As Canada moves to build new infrastructure, we also need to protect the natural infrastructure we all depend on, Kennedy notes. “Today’s announcement shows the government recognizes what nature provides for people, and we appreciate that they are taking meaningful steps to invest in and sustain those benefits for the long term.”
In addition to renewed funding for Indigenous Guardians and the Enhanced Nature Legacy Program, the government announced its intention to create up to 14 new marine protected and conserved areas, up to 10 new national marine conservation areas, and at least 10 new national parks and fresh water national marine conservation areas. It also announced it would advance the Seal River Watershed National Park Reserve in Manitoba and the Wiinipaakw Indigenous Protected Area and National Marine Conservation Area in Eastern James Bay—just a few days after two other marine protected areas, Sarvarjuaq and Qikiqtait, were advanced in partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
“It’s encouraging to see more projects identified and led by Indigenous peoples moving towards completion. ”
– Sheena Kennedy, Executive Director of Oceans North
“It’s encouraging to see more projects identified and led by Indigenous peoples moving towards completion,” says Kennedy. “This is a good sign for the many places around the country where substantial work has already taken place and the government has willing partners. We hope to see the government move quickly to advance other areas that are at or near the finish line.”
The announcement also includes an important development for marine conservation beyond Canada’s waters. By committing $24.4 million over five years and $1.8 million on-going for the implementation of the High Seas Treaty, the government has completed a vital step towards ratifying this important international agreement.
“We hope that Canada will move quickly to finalize the ratification process and join more than 85 countries around the globe who are working to protect nearly half of the planet. Doing so will send a strong signal of our commitment to international leadership and cooperation,” says Susanna Fuller, Vice-President of Conservation and Projects at Oceans North. “With the first conference of parties on the calendar for January 2027, Canada’s voice is needed to ensure transparent and inclusive implementation, including prioritizing the meaningful participation of Indigenous peoples.”
For more information, please contact:
Alex Tesar
Communications Director
Oceans North
[email protected]