Canada has launched its first National Adaptation Strategy in a move to address the growing risks posed by climate change.
After its initial release in November 2022, the National Adaptation Strategy underwent a period of final comment, during which provinces, territories, and national Indigenous organizations reviewed and provided feedback.
The government said it will collaborate with provinces and territories to advance bilateral action plans in the coming months, as part of the implementation process of the strategy.
It will also work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities on a regional and distinctions basis through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, which supports self-determined Indigenous climate actions.
The strategy is described as “a whole-of-society approach” to addressing climate-related disasters and building resilient communities across the nation.
It provides an agreed-upon framework that establishes common goals, objectives, and targets to guide the climate adaptation efforts of governments and communities, ensuring that future investments are targeted and effective, a news release said.
Simultaneously, the Adaptation Action Plan, which was originally released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy last November, has been updated to incorporates new federal investments and initiatives related to flooding, freshwater, supply chains, and security.
With 73 actions, compared to 68 in its previous version, the plan outlines the federal contribution towards achieving Canada’s climate change adaptation goals, according to a news release.
Also highlighted during Tuesday’s launch is the government’s $164.2 million investment to accelerate the ongoing Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP).
This funding was allocated through the National Adaptation Strategy announcement in November 2022 and will contribute to nationwide flood mapping coverage for accessible flood hazard information.
“In the context of record-breaking wildfires across the country, record hurricanes like Fiona and record floods in British Columbia, this Strategy is needed now, more than ever, to establish a shared vision of our future,” said Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change.
“The strategy aims to transform the way governments, communities, and Canadians work in partnership to prepare and reduce risks of climate change through coordinated and ambitious action.”
Celyeste Power, president and CEO of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has commended the federal government for taking steps towards climate adaptation while stressing the importance of implementing the strategy through necessary investments.
“This is a significant step toward improving Canada’s climate defence,” said Power. “IBC and its members applaud the government of Canada on the official release of its first National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.
“We commend Ministers Steven Guilbeault, Bill Blair and Jonathan Wilkinson and their teams on this important accomplishment. We urge the federal government to make the necessary investments to implement this strategy.”
The IBC is actively collaborating with the federal government, provinces, and territories to establish Canada’s first national flood insurance program within the next 24 months.
Climate Proof Canada, a coalition advocating for climate adaptation that includes insurance industry representatives, also praised the government’s move.
“The inclusion of targets makes the National Adaptation Strategy a world-leading effort,” said Jason Clark, chair of Climate Proof Canada. “With wildfires and flooding across the country in recent weeks, the programming to achieve those targets now needs to be funded as a collaboration between all orders of government and the private sector.”
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