The Conservation Council of New Brunswick says the federal government had a chance to show leadership on the environment with the new budget.

But the organization says the budget fails to protect Canadians from escalating environmental crises.

“This budget leaves major holes in Canada’s environmental safety net,” executive director Beverly Gingras said in a statement. “It offers incremental progress on clean electricity, but virtually nothing to protect the lands, waters and species that make life possible.

“Canadians needed leadership, but we only saw hesitation.”

The council submitted comprehensive recommendations earlier this year, urging the federal government to invest in renewable energy, freshwater protection and wetland restoration, Indigenous-led conservation and expanding environmental literacy and community-based climate programs.

None of those were reflected in the budget.

“Canada cannot build a resilient economy on a deteriorating environment,” Gingras said. “Ignoring biodiversity, clean water and pollution prevention will only increase the costs of disasters, disease and displacement. Every dollar we fail to invest now will cost communities tenfold later.”

There was some praise for new tax credits for wind, solar and clean energy projects, which the council said can help NB Power and communities move toward a reliable, renewable grid. They also praised reaffirmed Clean Electricity Regulations, tougher methane rules and stronger carbon pricing as signals the government still intends to meet climate targets.

But there was criticism of expanding tax breaks for liquefied natural gas and extending incentives for carbon capture. The council said those moves risk keeping Canada dependent on fossil fuels instead of building more affordable renewables, storage and efficiency.

“These mixed signals undermine Canada’s clean energy transition,” Gingras said. “We need a clear, co-ordinated plan that ends fossil fuel subsidies and redirects funding toward affordable renewables, efficiency and public transit.”

The council said ending the Greener Homes Grant, coupled with uncertainty about electric vehicle rules and rebates, will make it harder for families to switch to cleaner options and manage energy costs.

“Canadians wanted a budget that protects both their wallets and the planet,” said Dr. Moe Qureshi, the council’s director of climate research and policy. “Instead this budget makes it harder for households to choose clean options.”