On November 17th, the Government of Canada’s 2025 federal budget passed the House of Commons by a narrow margin—170 to 168.
In the hours before the vote, the Prime Minister made several important commitments on the floor of the House of Commons. He stated that “this budget puts us on the path to real results for climate, for nature and for Reconciliation” and he affirmed that the government will:
- Respect Canada’s Paris climate commitments and is determined to achieve them,
- Deliver on the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with Canada’s Nature Strategy to be released in the coming weeks
The CSLA welcomes these commitments. While Budget 2025 contains few explicit investments in climate resilience or the protection of nature, these statements confirm that the implementation decisions that will be made over the coming months will determine the direction of Canada’s climate, nature, and community resilience efforts. And this is where the landscape architecture profession, and CSLA’s advocacy efforts, must now focus.
Despite the 2025 budget passing in the House of Commons, there are risks to programs and funding, such as:
- Federal departments still have discretion to renew or allow key programs to lapse,
- Program decisions, likely to be announced in the spring, may either strengthen or weaken reconciliation, biodiversity, and adaptation outcomes
- Major funding envelopes for housing, infrastructure, employment, and community resilience may or may not still be designed to support nature-based and climate-ready solutions
The government’s narrow minority means that every MP’s voice—and therefore every constituent’s voice—matters. In short: now is the time to speak up for nature, climate resilience, and reconciliation.
CSLA's Advocacy Strategy
The CSLA’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan commits our profession to leadership in climate action, nature-based solutions, reconciliation, human health and well-being, cultural landscapes, and equitable public spaces. And we plan to be engaging accordingly. In the weeks ahead, the CSLA will:
- Issue guidance to members on contacting their MPs and advocating for climate- and nature-positive implementation of Budget 2025, including our profession in that process
- Prepare targeted letters to key ministers to reinforce how federal programs can support climate adaptation, biodiversity, and resilient communities—and how the CSLA and landscape architects can help deliver these outcomes while advancing broader community development and economic goals
- Coordinate with nature-focused partner organizations to amplify shared priorities and strengthen collective influence
- Monitor future announcements closely and respond to emerging opportunities aligned with CSLA’s mission areas
Landscape architects work at the interface of natural systems, built infrastructure, and community design. At this pivotal moment, when federal decisions over the coming months will shape the future of Canada’s built and natural landscapes, the CSLA will continue to advocate strongly for policies and programs that advance reconciliation, uphold climate commitments, protect biodiversity, and support the wellbeing of communities across the country.
Canada can, and must, pursue economic prosperity and nature together. The CSLA stands ready to work with all levels of government, allied professions, and members to help deliver that future.