Federal Government Advances Climate Resilience at 2026 Adaptation Canada Conference

Last week, more than 1,000 participants from across Canada gathered in Toronto for the 2026 edition of the Adaptation Canada conference.

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.