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From ecosystems to economics: How Canada's conserved and protected areas contribute billions to the economy
Wednesday, 15 April, 2026
In episode six we welcome national director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Sandra Schwartz and CPAWS economic analyst, Jason Wong, lead author of the CPAWS white paper, Widely Enjoyed but Inadequately Valued: Understanding the Economic, Environmental and Health Benefits of Canada's Protected and Conserved Areas. We discuss the first of its kind report that offers a new way of valuing conservation and the protection of our lands and waters, not as barriers to economic growth,but as long-term and essential green infrastructure that enriches our lives,our communities and our economy. Explaining the reasons for the report, Schwartz says: "The point was actually to have a different way to talk to decision-makers, to businesses and to Canadians about the value that Nature brings us … We wanted to make sure as an organization that governments better recognize … Nature itself is an essential infrastructure that supports communities. It supports their wellbeing. It supports long-term prosperity as well … So this was a first report, a first of its kind in Canada … Protected areas are not a constraint on growth, but that they are investments and they're investments that generate measurable returns and reduce long-term risk." According to Wong: "We're finding that our protected areas contribute around $10.9 billion to Canada's GDP. As a comparison, the offshore oil and gas industry in that same time period, came in around $8.3 billion … I mean, our protected areas are outpacing some of these well-established and well-regarded extractive industries in terms of how much they contribute financially to the Canadian economy … we're talking about keeping the social fabric of a community alive, it's like, okay, now that I have a job here, I don't have to move out … the local school there doesn't have to close … And that directly relates to the fabric, the cohesion of the community that allows it to remain vibrant … From the national level down to the local level, protected areas provide an enormous array of benefits to Canadians." About today's guests: National executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Sandra Schwartz is a solutions-oriented leader, who has worked in a wide range of public policy, strategic communications and political roles, where she has been a strong advocate for sound environmental policy and has championed progressive ideas for clean energy and tackling climate change. Schwartz holds Masters degrees in management and in environmental studies, and has a well-grounded understanding of the public and private influences on Canada's natural heritage, with over 20 years' experience within the federal government, national associations, and not-for-profit organizations. Schwartz also has a long history of community service, including as board member on several national non-profit organizations, and as founding member of a prominent women's network. She also served two terms as an elected trustee on the Ottawa-Carlton District School Board. She lives in Ottawa and is happiest out enjoying nature with her husband and their two children. She maintains her connection to Canada's wilderness by visits to parks, where she enjoys camping, canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Jason Wong is an economic analyst with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Wong's interest in conservation economics stems from a love of exploring and protecting the outdoors. His main interest is in investigating alternative economic approaches that value and safeguard nature.Wong's interests are centred around research on alternative economic systems as a way to address the structural and institutional issues behind loss of nature and climate change. This includes the braiding of varied knowledge systems into a comprehensive perspective of the world around us. He is always open to intriguing new collaborations and data-informed policymaking. Outside of work, Wong hopes to build his own canoe one day and to explore more of Canada's nature by water. Wong is lead author of the CPAWS' report, Widely Enjoyed but Inadequately Valued: Understanding the Economic, Environmental and Health Benefits of Canada's Protected and Conserved Areas Transcript of this episode can be accessed at georgebrown.ca/TommyDouglasInstitute. Image: Sandra Schwartz, Jason Wong / Used with permission. Music: Ang Kahora. Lynne, Bjorn. Rights Purchased. Intro Voices: Ashley Booth (Podcast Announcer); Bob Luker (Tommy) Courage My Friends podcast organizing committee: Chandra Budhu, Ashley Booth, Resh Budhu. Produced by: Resh Budhu, Tommy Douglas Institute and Breanne Doyle, rabble.ca. Host: Resh Budhu.
