EXECUTIVE SUMMARY — Sustainability within a Generation: A New Vision for Canada

Published by: David Suzuki Foundation
Authored by: David R. Boyd

Climate solutions, Environmental rights, Cities economics, policy and regulation, industry, energy, conservation, water systems, chemicals and toxins, greenhouse gas emissions

This is the executive summary of a report that outlines how Canada can become a world leader in sustainability by the year 2030. It shows how a long-term national plan with clear targets and timelines would generate less pollution and waste and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. The policy changes in Sustainability within a Generation are simple and involve a common theme: making the market work better. For example, Canada still subsidizes polluting industries such as mining and oil exploration. Instead, Canada should use a preventative approach, which is less expensive than cleaning up after environmental degradation occurs. Our recommended legislative changes would make polluters pay and benefit good environmental performers, which would put Canada ahead both environmentally and economically.