441-01518 (Environment)

At the Conference of the Parties (COP26), the Government of Canada announced its intention to ban thermal coal exports by 2030. This makes Canada the first country in the world to make this commitment to address climate change.

Canada has taken action to curb harmful coal emissions. Through the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government has amended the 2012 coal-fired electricity greenhouse gas regulations to accelerate the phase-out of conventional coal-fired electricity in Canada by 2030. The Government of Canada also released a policy statement in June 2021 indicating that the Government considers that future thermal coal mining projects are likely to cause unacceptable environmental effects within federal jurisdiction and are not aligned with Canada’s domestic and international climate change commitments.

Before the commitment to ban thermal coal exports was announced, it was forecasted that many thermal coal mines in Canada would stop operating in the lead-up to 2030 since they primarily supplied the domestic electricity market.

Canada is also co-leading the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), alongside the United Kingdom. With over 120 members, the PPCA is the world's leading coalition of public and private sector partners seeking to accelerate clean growth and climate protection through the rapid phase-out of unabated coal power. By joining the PPCA, members make a voluntary commitment to accelerate the phase-out of emissions from coal power.

Additionally, at the 2023 G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy, and Environment, Canada, along with G7 countries, renewed calls on non-G7 countries to phase out unabated coal power generation consistent with a 1.5°C compatible future.

The Government of Canada is advancing work toward an export ban and intends to engage and seek feedback from key partners and Indigenous peoples soon.