As global political and economic tensions escalate and new tariffs threaten our economic stability, people across Canada are feeling the strain. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, which often depend on natural resource exports like seafood, wood products, and minerals for their livelihoods. These stressors are the result of decisions being made far away from the people most affected, exposing the deep fragility of Canada’s extraction-based economy.

But this moment is also bringing something else into sharp focus: the need for a different path forward.

At Ecotrust Canada, we believe that path begins with place. With self-sufficiency, yes, but also with the interdependence that comes from people and communities sharing a common bond and shared responsibility for the lands and waters they call home. This common bond, along with the economic responsibilities and opportunities that come with it, has always been central to our work.  

That’s why we focus on building place-based economies. These are economic systems where the wealth extracted or generated from a community, a watershed, or a region stays local for the direct benefit of the place and its people. This is why it’s our mission to build an economy that provides for life grounded in local stewardship, innovation, and equity.

Over the coming months, we will share stories with you about how our work in the past, present, and future deliberately advances place-based economies while responding to the economic uncertainty and systemic fragility many of us are experiencing today.

Indigenous Lands Symposium: A commitment to sustainability, conservation, and unity in purpose

In February, over 270 people from across Canada gathered in Bawating ("the place of the rapids"), Sault Ste. Marie, to discuss the future and legacy of healthy lands and Indigenous peoples in Northern Ontario. This marked the third year that our partner, Wahkohtowin Development, facilitated the Indigenous Lands Symposium, achieving their largest turnout yet. This gathering came at a time when the need for collaboration to uphold Indigenous rights and create sustainable resource management for the benefit of shared territories, communities, and livelihoods has never been more urgent.

The Symposium tackled critical topics from Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) to sustainable forestry, carbon financing, and youth engagement. As Canada pursues its goal of protecting 30% of forests by 2030, the message was clear: IPCAs are essential to achieving this target within our five-year timeline.

What insights did Ecotrust Canada's Climate Resilience team gain from our long-time partners and forestry innovators? Find out by reading the full blog!

We have more to share, so keep scrolling. 

-Shannon Lough, Senior Manager of Communications and Engagement  

Ecotrust Canada is deeply saddened by the passing of Leona Humchitt and her sister-in-law, Valerie Humchitt. Since 2017, our Community Energy program has been honoured to work in partnership with Leona and the Heiltsuk Nation, while our Food Systems program valued her passionate advocacy for the local marine economy and community.

Leona was an incredible visionary, collaborator, and friend. She was endlessly driven to think big, settle for nothing, and do well for her people by righting the historical wrongs of substandard housing.

She was the definition of a leader — someone who challenged, encouraged, and supported those around her to be their best. Her attitude was infectious and motivating. The ripples of action she started so many years ago have already grown into waves and will continue to radiate for eternity.

We will be forever grateful to Leona, and we will miss her greatly.

New and Noteworthy

Job Opportunities

We are hiring Dockside and At-Sea Monitors for commercial fishery monitoring in Haida Gwaii, Tofino on the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, and in Prince Rupert on the traditional territory of the Ts’msyen people. Our new monitors will be hired as part-time staff and must be available on-call from May to September, several days a week.

30 Years of Proving the Possible 

A series of reflections from our past three decades of work.  

From 1997

Ecotrust Canada piloted a program that equipped small businesses and non-profits with user-friendly technology and training to track their carbon usage and find ways to reduce it. In 2010, we launched Climate Smart, designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. Working with over 40 partners, the program reached 1,000 businesses and 85,000 employees, helping participants achieve an average 22% emissions reduction within two years. Climate Smart later evolved into an independent social enterprise before being acquired by BMO.

Read more in the Case Study.

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Proving the Possible

Ecotrust Canada works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant cultures and inclusive societies. We call this approach, building an economy that provides for life. 

Thank you for your continued support!

The Ecotrust Canada Team