Environment & Climate Change Canada

Secretary of State Highlights Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

The Government of Canada announced the implementation of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit under Bill C-19, providing a one-time top-up payment in spring 2026 equal to a 50% increase in the annual 2025-2026 GST credit value, delivering $3.1 billion in immediate assistance to over 12 million low- and modest-income Canadians. The benefit will also increase by 25% for five years starting July 2026, providing an additional $8.6 billion in support.

Habitat Stewardship Program 25th Anniversary: $5.2M for 31 Species at Risk Projects

Environment and Climate Change Canada announced up to $5.2 million in funding through the Habitat Stewardship Program for 31 conservation projects in 2025-2026. The program marks its 25th anniversary, having invested over $241 million in more than 3,800 projects since 2000. Recipients include Rivershed Society of BC ($404,884), Conseil régional de l'environnement du Centre-du-Québec ($59,000), Université du Québec en Outaouais ($143,039), and Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan ($332,350).

Severe Freezing Rain Technical Briefing for Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic

ECCC has issued a media advisory announcing a technical briefing on a severe freezing rain event predicted for areas of Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada beginning March 11, 2026. The briefing will be held via Zoom on March 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. This is an informational announcement providing no compliance obligations.

Canada Releases National Freshwater Science Agenda for Next Decade

Environment and Climate Change Canada has released the National Freshwater Science Agenda during Canada Water Week, outlining research priorities for freshwater protection over the next decade. The agenda was developed over two years with input from over 800 science experts, Knowledge Holders, Indigenous organizations, and stakeholders across Canada.

Canada Launches Hybrid AI Weather Forecasting Model for Severe Weather

Environment and Climate Change Canada announced it will launch a hybrid AI weather forecasting model this spring, combining artificial intelligence with traditional physics-based methods. The new system will improve forecast accuracy, giving Canadians more advance warning of severe weather events including winter storms, heat waves, and atmospheric rivers. Testing over the past year confirmed improved large-scale weather prediction accuracy.