Farmers Strengthen Climate Resilience Through Renewed Wawanesa Insurance–ALUS Partnership
July 15, 2026, Winnipeg (Manitoba) - Wawanesa Insurance has renewed its support of ALUS to help farmers and ranchers build climate-resilient communities across Canada.
Now in its fourth year, the partnership continues to advance nature-based projects that reduce the risks of flooding and wind damage caused by extreme weather, while enhancing biodiversity and strengthening local ecosystems. The announcement comes as the 2026 ALUS National Field Conference gets underway in Manitoba, with Wawanesa serving as both a sponsor and co-host.
The support provided by the mutual insurer will continue to fund ALUS community programs in Mountain View County (AB), Rocky View County (AB), Norfolk County (ON), Peel Region (ON), with an expansion into Ontario East (ON) this year. Working side by side with farmers, Wawanesa and ALUS are helping to implement practical, on-the-ground solutions to improve water retention, reduce erosion and protect communities from climate-related events.
“This partnership is about more than acres and projects, it’s about empowering farmers and ranchers to lead the way in climate adaptation,” said Jill Weaver, Director of Partnerships at ALUS. “Wawanesa’s continued investment ensures that ALUS farmers have the tools, resources, and community support they need to build lasting resilience in their regions.”
Projects supported through the partnership focus on wetlands, riparian buffers, and windbreaks that provide both environmental and social benefits. These efforts help mitigate flood and wind risks while improving soil health, supporting wildlife habitat, and sequestering carbon on agricultural lands.
“At ALUS, we believe in the power of collaboration to tackle complex environmental challenges,” said Jordan Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer at ALUS. “Wawanesa’s renewed commitment reflects a shared belief that climate resilience starts in our rural communities, where farmers are putting solutions into action one acre at a time.”
Delivered through the Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which invests $2.5 million annually to support those on the front lines of climate change, the partnership helps nature-based strategies come to life to create stronger, more resilient communities.
“The reality is we’re seeing more frequent and severe weather across the country, and it’s having a real impact on Canadians,” said Mitchell McEwen, Director, Sustainability, Climate Resilience & Community Impact at Wawanesa. “Addressing the challenges that come with climate change takes all of us working together. That’s why we’re partnering with organizations like ALUS to help build resilience where it matters most.”
About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Founded in 1896, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, 100% owned by its members, with more than $4.1 billion in annual revenue and $12.5 billion in assets. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Wawanesa is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance solutions throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, a leading national distributor of personal and business insurance. In March of 2026, Wawanesa entered into an agreement to acquire Everest Insurance Company of Canada to strengthen its commercial insurance capabilities and advance its long-term growth strategy.
Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.8 million members across Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $4 million annually to charitable organizations, including $2.5 million each year in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.
About ALUS
ALUS is a national charitable organization delivering farmer-led conservation across Canada. Founded in 2006, ALUS is Canada’s only farmer-governed charitable organization, working with farmers and communities to create and restore wetlands, grasslands, riparian areas and wildlife habitat on working farmland. Through community-based Partnership Advisory Committees, each with at least 50% farmer membership, ALUS supports nature-based projects that improve water quality, strengthen biodiversity and build more resilient landscapes and communities. Today, more than 2,200 farmers participate in ALUS across 42 communities, supporting more than 57,000 acres of nature on farms.
For more information:
Michel Rosset
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
media@wawanesa.com
Shayne Meechan
Senior Manager, Communications
ALUS Canada
media@alus.ca