QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Canada's Emissions Targets
November 8, 2023
Senator Gold, as mentioned earlier by Senator Dennis Patterson, yesterday, Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco issued a report indicating that Ottawa does not have a clear plan to achieve its 2030 emissions reduction target of at least 40% below the 2005 levels. Canada is the only G7 country whose emissions are higher now than in 1990. In fact, Canada has never met a climate emissions goal, even though we have had 10 plans since 1990.
Senator Gold, what does the government have planned to recalibrate, accelerate and get on track to meet its emissions targets?
The report to which you refer is an important report, which the government is taking seriously. There are many aspects of that report which indicate that although the government’s current plan, which is always being revised, will fall somewhat short of the targets that are identified for 2030, there are many elements of the plan that are working well, including the carbon price on pollution. If the report had one central message, it was that this is one of the most effective measures, not only in theory but in practice.
The government is committed to reaching its targets. It knows it has more work to do in collaboration with the provinces, municipalities and the private sector, and it will continue to do so in as effective and expeditious way as possible.
I would appreciate hearing more specifics on what that “more” would look like.
