QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Net-Zero Advisory Body
February 4, 2026
Senator Moreau, in June 2021, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act received Royal Assent. That act called for the establishment of the Net-Zero Advisory Body, or NZAB, an expert group established to provide the minister with independent advice with respect to Canada’s emissions targets and emissions reduction plans. Senator Yussuff was a member of NZAB.
Climate experts Simon Donner, who was the co-chair, and Catherine Abreu resigned from NZAB following the MOU with Alberta and the recent shifts in climate policy on which they were not consulted and which they thought would result in our 2030 targets being out of reach.
Senator Moreau, can you tell us why the Net-Zero Advisory Body was not consulted in the development of and adjustments to recent key government climate policies and actions?
Thank you, Senator Coyle. As you probably know, I cannot comment on the specific conversations that were had regarding some of the government policy decisions, including this one. However, the government recognizes that the fight against climate change is not only a moral imperative but an economic one, too.
This government has taken significant steps in advancing Canada’s progress on climate action. First, the government introduced its Climate Competitiveness Strategy, which works to drive down emissions while building a strong economy of the future through measures like strengthening industrial carbon pricing, enhancing methane regulations and through Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. The government is also building major projects as groundwork for a net-zero Canada, like the North Coast Transmission Line, the Nunavut hydro project, the Darlington nuclear facility in Ontario and high-speed rail between Quebec and Ontario.
Thank you, Senator Moreau. Karen Ross, one of the four remaining members of NZAB, has called on the government to put the group on pause until the minister appoints six new members, stating that the board is functionally and operationally unable to fulfill its mandate. And we do have a law, right?
Senator Moreau, when will the Minister for Environment and Climate Change appoint new qualified members to the Net-Zero Advisory Board? And will the government develop an effective process for NZAB to provide independent advice to the government so that Canada can achieve —
Thank you, senator.
Thank you for the question. The government is grateful for their dedicated service on the board, which helped guide the government’s work in advancing decisive climate action in Canada. That’s the answer to your direct question.
Considering next steps, it will take the time needed to identify strong candidates. Appointments will be made consistent with the board’s mandate and needs.
