OTTAWA — The federal government must prioritize climate action immediately in the wake of the environment commissioner’s audit today.
“Although the federal government has developed a comprehensive plan, we need to make sure these aren’t just words on a piece of paper. They need to turn into responsible action,” said David Suzuki Foundation science and policy director Ian Bruce. “The federal government has the chance to pass laws and regulations, but the window to show leadership is now.”
“The development of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change marked a major milestone,” Bruce said. “We agree with the commissioner’s assessment that the government must now shift into action mode and follow through on these promises to reduce our emissions.”
To meet Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, the federal government must:
- Pass the regulations to fully phase out coal power and ramp up clean, renewable electricity
- Implement a zero-emission vehicle standard to drive innovation and availability of electric cars
- Use federal authority to set a national price on carbon pollution
- Regulate responsible action to eliminate methane pollution from the oil and gas industry
- Require approval of Canada’s new energy infrastructure to be conditional that it supports, not opposes, Canada’s goal to be emissions-free by 2050
“It’s concerning that the federal government has not prepared our communities to withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather,” Bruce said. “Climate change is more than just an environmental issue. This is an economic and security issue that affects people everywhere, from the biggest cities to the smallest towns. It’s too urgent to ignore. This is the federal government’s moment to turn Canada’s climate plan into climate action.”
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Media contact:
Emily Fister, Climate and Clean Energy Communications Specialist
604-440-5470
Lisa Gue, Senior Science and Policy Advisor, attended the briefing by the Environment Commissioner in Ottawa
Contact: 613-914-0747