Climate Proof Canada Slams Budget on Adaptation

The national coalition says the 2026 federal budget underinvests in protecting communities from extreme weather.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Severe Weather

Climate Proof Canada Slams Budget on Adaptation

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Should the federal government spend more on protecting communities from extreme weather?

Climate Proof Canada said Canada's 2026 federal budget did not prioritize climate adaptation investment, calling for renewed National Adaptation Strategy funding, resilient infrastructure and limits on federally supported housing in high-risk flood or wildfire areas. The statement was issued on November 6, 2026.

Why it matters

The coalition, which includes the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Insurance Brokers' Association of Canada, said the budget misses a critical opportunity to strengthen Canada's economic resilience to extreme weather across the country.

Insured extreme-weather losses in Canada averaged more than $3.7 billion a year over the past decade, up from $883 million a year in the decade before. Statistics Canada data released in September 2026 found 112,085 residential properties in Winnipeg, or 45.1% of the city's housing stock, sit in high flood hazard zones.

The players

Climate Proof Canada

A national coalition advocating for stronger federal investment in climate adaptation, with members including the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Insurance Brokers' Association of Canada.

Insurance Bureau of Canada

The national industry association representing private home, auto and business insurers, which has called for $65 billion in infrastructure investment to address the country's stormwater and wastewater deficit.

Statistics Canada

Canada's national statistical agency, whose September 2026 data showed large shares of housing stock in high flood hazard zones.

The details

Climate Proof Canada outlined three priorities for federal action: renewed National Adaptation Strategy funding, investment in resilient infrastructure, and limits on federally supported housing in high-risk flood or wildfire areas. The Insurance Bureau of Canada has called for $65 billion in infrastructure investment to address the country's stormwater and wastewater deficit.

2001 to 2010: average annual insured weather losses were $701 million.
2016: Fort McMurray wildfires set the previous insured loss record of $6 billion.
2024: severe weather events caused a record $8.5 billion in insured losses.
September 2026: Statistics Canada released flood-zone housing exposure data.
November 6, 2026: Climate Proof Canada issued its statement criticizing the federal budget.

Seasonal Patterns

The $8.5 billion in 2024 insured losses exceeded the $6 billion record set by the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires, continuing a rise from $701 million a year in 2001 to 2010 to more than $3.7 billion a year over the past decade. Climate Proof Canada's criticism places the 2026 budget against this sustained increase in weather-related losses.

Homeowners in flood-prone areas, including the 112,085 Winnipeg properties in high hazard zones, should review their insurance coverage and understand local flood risk. Residents can also follow municipal guidance on stormwater and wastewater upgrades as federal funding decisions are debated.

The takeaway

Climate adaptation spending is increasingly tied to insured losses and housing safety, so the debate over the federal budget affects how Canadians prepare for extreme weather in their own communities.