Fossil fuel emissions must be capped

Environment commissioner finds Canada not on track to meet climate targets

OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHNAABEG PEOPLE — Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development released fall 2023 reports today, including an audit of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

The audit found that Canada is not on track to meet its emissions reduction target because key measures in the Emissions Reduction Plan have been delayed or not prioritized, but that government can still meet the target with “drive, focus, and leadership” to reduce emissions.

The David Suzuki Foundation shares the commissioner’s concern about the federal government’s ability to achieve the needed emissions reductions and calls for accelerated action.

Foundation experts are also available to comment on the environment commissioner’s reports on fisheries and zero-emissions vehicles.

Sabaa Khan, the Foundation’s Director General for Quebec and Atlantic Canada and Climate Solutions Director, said:

“The environment commissioner’s report confirms we are simply not doing enough to drive down Canada’s carbon emissions. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If we don’t correct course on climate policy in Canada, climate disasters will worsen and communities will suffer as, we have seen this year.

“This audit highlights the need to prioritize measures targeting sectors with the highest emissions. The fossil fuel industry is by far our largest source of emissions and must be reined in. We need the government to follow through with a regulation to cap emissions from the oil and gas sector. There is huge economic and environmental potential in doing so.

“We call on all political parties to work together to ensure climate action accelerates. We cannot afford any more delays or back-tracking.”

– 30 –

For more information or media interviews, please contact:

Melanie Karalis, mkaralis@davidsuzuki.org, 548-588-1279