441-01520 (Environment)

Thank you for raising this important issue. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our natural environment, fighting climate change, and making Canada more resilient to the threats posed by extreme weather. Canadians depend on our natural environment for jobs, clean air and water, and for a sense of place in the world. However, the risks to our environment have never been greater. Climate change threatens nature, our communities, and our economy.

For these reasons, the Government of Canada has taken significant action to protect the environment, conserve nature and biodiversity, and respond to the threat of climate change. The Government has established a federal pollution pricing system, established the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that outlines a sector-by-sector roadmap to achieve Canada’s 2030 target of 40-45 per cent reduction in emissions, put Canada on a path to planting two billion trees, released its first National Adaptation Strategy, and has worked with provinces and territories towards a goal of zero plastic waste by 2030.

The Government of Canada recognizes that youth have a critical role to play in climate action. They are important agents of change, with innovative ways of thinking. Canada’s Youth Policy and the State of the Youth Report identify Environment and Climate Action as a key priority for youth. The Government of Canada considers the youth perspective as vital to ensuring that the country's transition to a prosperous and low-carbon future is sustainable and inclusive. Established in August 2022, the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council is a group of 10 young Canadians who are passionate about protecting the environment and taking climate action. In its first six months, the Youth Council members have contributed to and participated in UNFCCC COP27 in Egypt and the Convention on Biodiversity COP15 in Montreal, and have advised the government on policy issues, including the National Adaptation Strategy and climate communications.

Strategic environmental assessments are also a mandatory part of the policy and legislative development process. These assessments help to ensure all public policies and strategic decisions made by the Government of Canada are guided by the potential impact on the environment. In carrying out the assessments, the Government will consider the scope and nature of likely environmental effects, the need for mitigation to reduce or eliminate adverse effects and take into consideration any adverse environmental effects and mitigation that may be required.