Question Period Note: Climate Change Adaptation

People in Canada are experiencing record-breaking climate events—from wildfires to extreme heatwaves to floods. Along with reducing the emissions that fuel climate change, we must also adapt to its resulting impacts.

• Canada’s climate has changed and will continue to change. Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy sets out a vision for safer communities, stronger infrastructure and a more resilient economy.
• Building long-term and sustainable climate resilience requires a whole-of-society effort. The Government of Canada is working closely with domestic, global and Indigenous partners to better prepare for and prevent the impacts of extreme weather events.
• The Government of Canada has invested more than $6.6 billion to address the climate risks that matter most to Canadians such as wildfires, floods and extreme heat. This is money well spent. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, $1 spent on adaptation measures can generate between $13 and $15 in total benefits.

• Climate change is impacting the safety of people across Canada. It’s also affecting our food supply and overall well-being. Many Canadians have experienced extreme events firsthand, like the major hailstorm in Calgary in 2024 and the extreme wildfire season in 2023 and 2024. In 2024 alone, wildfires burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest in Jasper National Park, and in 2023 wildfire smoke spread across the country. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says that extreme weather caused $8.9 billion in insured losses last year alone, making 2024 the most destructive year in Canadian history.
• Preparing properly and adapting to climate change will make Canadians and their communities safer and healthier. It will also protect our economy from shocks and help to reduce the high costs of extreme weather events.
• The National Adaptation Strategy was developed in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, adaptation experts, and youth. Its goal is to guide actions across five key areas: disaster preparedness, health and well-being, nature and biodiversity, infrastructure, and the economy and workers.
• The Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan was released alongside the strategy. It outlines over 70 actions to guide federal contributions to achieving Canada’s adaptation goals. The Government of Canada has invested more than $6.6 billion to help Canadians prepare for and prevent the impacts of climate change.
• For example, in June 2024, the Government of Canada invested $530 million in the Local Leadership for Climate Action Initiative. The funding is delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund. The program provides funding and training to help local governments develop long-term, proactive climate adaptation plans and projects in their communities.
• An audit report on the National Adaptation Strategy will be tabled by the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development in spring 2025. The Government of Canada will work to improve the effectiveness of federal adaptation action.

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