For the second consecutive year, Climate Proof Canada has called on the federal government to provide funding for its National Adaptation Strategy to mitigate the growing risks of climate-related hazards, including wildfires, floods, and extreme heat.
The organization is advocating for $5.3 billion annually over the next five years to address the increasing frequency of severe weather events.
Federal ministers, opposition critics, Indigenous leaders, mayors, municipal representatives, insurance industry executives, disaster response organizations, and other stakeholders gathered for a meeting to discuss strategies to strengthen Canada's resilience to climate change on October 22.
“After the most destructive season in Canadian history for insured losses due to severe weather, it has never been more urgent to make our communities more resilient to climate change,” said Jason Clark, chair of Climate Proof Canada.
The coalition outlined four key recommendations to accelerate the implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy. These include establishing a coordinated approach to disaster preparedness, creating a National Emergency Management Agency, and closing existing capacity gaps across all levels of government.
By 2028, the coalition aims to see a National Recovery Strategy in place, ensuring that all levels of government, including Indigenous authorities, have the necessary processes for emergency management.
The strategy would include enhanced preparedness for climate risks, faster disaster recovery, and clear targets to help affected communities return to normal within two years of an incident.
Additionally, the group is pushing for funding in the upcoming Fall Economic Statement to launch a reinsurance entity that would oversee Canada’s National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative, which was included in previous federal budgets, would be managed through a new subsidiary of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in partnership with insurers.
A national education program is also proposed to guide extreme weather protection for homes and businesses, in alignment with a public flood portal and other hazard awareness efforts.
During the first Community Resilience Recognition Luncheon event, six Canadian communities were acknowledged for their efforts on climate resilience. The recipient communities are the City of Beaconfield, Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, Halifax Regional Municipality, the City of Hamilton, Dufferin County, and the City of Saskatoon.
Learn more about the initiatives of these communities here.
What do you think about these measures? Should the federal government prioritize funding for climate resilience efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments.
