Federal Government Advances Climate Resilience at 2026 Adaptation Canada Conference

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ — From extreme heat and more intense storms to worsening wildfire seasons, droughts, and flash flooding, Canadians across the country are experiencing the impacts of climate change. That is why it is more important than ever to understand our risks and build our climate resilience.

Last week, more than 1,000 participants from across Canada gathered in Toronto for the 2026 edition of the Adaptation Canada conference. The event, funded in part by the Government of Canada and organized by ICLEI Canada, brought together academics, government officials, Indigenous leaders, decision-makers, and others on the front lines of adaptation to discuss how we can better build resilience and protect Canada from the worst impacts of climate change.

The conference featured over 70 sessions, plenaries, and specialized study tours to allow participants to explore real-life, innovative solutions. Highlights included discussions around the economic case for climate resilience initiatives; biodiversity loss and ecosystem resilience; building a climate-resilient North; and climate risk and national security. The three-day conference closed with a discussion on the work ahead to build a climate-resilient Canada.

These important exchanges will also help inform our whole-of-society approach to building climate resilience and support the ongoing implementation of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy.

Protecting Canadians from climate change means preparing before the next flood or heat wave–not after. Taking these steps now helps keep people and communities safe, limit the costs borne by families and communities, and maintain the strength and competitiveness of the Canadian economy.

Quotes

“Climate change is already impacting Canadians’ safety and security, and it will continue to drive up costs. Through events like Adaptation Canada 2026, experts can explore actions and share solutions aimed at strengthening our climate resilience. By investing in the critical infrastructure needed to protect our communities and businesses from climate impacts, we are building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy while raising awareness of the potential risks climate change poses to every region and sector across the country. By coming together, we can make more informed decisions, safeguard Canadians, and help ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Canada’s response to extreme weather doesn’t have to be a trade-off between public safety and economic growth. Every dollar spent on protecting people, infrastructure, and ecosystems today saves up to fifteen dollars in avoided damages and recovery costs in the future. Adaptation Canada is the premier platform to bring together governments, Indigenous partners, and practitioners to infuse climate resiliency in all major decisions so that we’re serving Canadians not only today, but 100 years from now.”

– Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax

“Canada has the climate information, expertise, and experience needed to make real progress on adaptation. The challenge now is turning that knowledge into decisions that shape communities every day. That means bringing together the people doing the work across sectors and regions to share what is working, learn from one another, and move from evidence to action. Adaptation Canada 2026 is a chance to build those connections and accelerate the shift from understanding climate risk to implementing solutions.”

– Ewa Jackson, Managing Director, ICLEI Canada

Quick facts

• Adaptation Canada 2026 ran from September 22–24, 2026, in Toronto. The conference opened with a pre-conference Gathering for Indigenous Climate Leadership on September 21, 2026.
• Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026 confirms that Canada has warmed rapidly over the past 50 years, consistent with rapid global warming, and that these warming temperatures have driven wide-ranging, interconnected, and sustained changes.
• Insurance Bureau of Canada records show that insured losses exceeded $2.4 billion in 2025 and that 2026 is on track to be the hottest year on record.
• Research shows that for every $1 we invest in climate resilience measures, we save ourselves up to $15 across the economy.
• The Government of Canada published the first progress report for the National Adaptation Strategy in August 2026. The report highlights how whole-of-society commitments under the strategy are leading to action across the country, as well as where progress has been made and where more action is still needed. It includes contributions from all orders of government, Indigenous communities and organizations, the private sector, and civil society.

Associated links

• Adaptation Canada 2026
• 2026 National Adaptation Strategy Progress Report
• Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada