Georgian Bay Land Trust welcomes Government of Canada’s new Nature Strategy

The Government of Canada has announced $3.8 billion in funding for nature as part of its new Nature Strategy. 43% of this funding is directed towards conservation initiatives, with an emphasis on Indigenous-led stewardship and a renewed commitment to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030.

The Georgian Bay Land Trust welcomes this announcement, which carries forward from the previous government’s funding commitment which expired yesterday. In particular, the creation of the Canada Nature Protection Fund will allow Land Trusts to continue to serve as key partners in delivering on the government’s conservation targets. We are especially enthusiastic about the government’s recognition of the importance of Indigenous-led conservation.

The Georgian Bay Land Trust’s Executive Director Andrew Young says:

“The Georgian Bay Land Trust is genuinely encouraged by the Government of Canada’s $3.8 billion commitment through A Force for Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature. This kind of national leadership creates real momentum for protecting the special places we all care about. Here on Georgian Bay, we see firsthand how quickly landscapes can change—and how much is still possible when people come together to conserve them.

This is work we’ve been committed to for decades. Thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’ve been able to protect some of the most ecologically significant lands along Georgian Bay, one property at a time. That long-term, community-driven approach is what makes lasting conservation possible.

We’re excited about the opportunity to build on that foundation—working alongside the federal government, Indigenous partners, and our community—to turn this commitment into meaningful, enduring conservation on the ground. With continued support from our donors and partners, we can protect even more of Georgian Bay for future generations.”