With a federal election on the horizon, it is imperative that all political parties commit to protecting and restoring nature.

Canada has already committed to protecting 30% of land, water and oceans by 2030, which is known as the 30 x 30 target. Yet, significant cuts to Parks Canada’s budget would undermine progress towards this commitment.

Budget documents show Parks Canada is bracing for $450 million in cuts and lapsed funding over the next two years. This would be a significant rollback of nature investment in Canada.

Nature is a foundation of the Canadian identity and 84% of Canadians believe the federal government must do more for nature.

Economic and global uncertainty cannot be used as a justification for clawing back ambition to face the interrelated crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Investing in the protection and restoration of nature is essential for Canada’s long-term prosperity and resilience.

The next federal government must adequately fund nature protection and restoration to achieve its 30 x 30 target.