44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsMarch 22, 2024441-02270441-02270 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONMarch 22, 2024November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2024441-02099441-02099 (Environment)JulieDabrusinToronto—DanforthLiberalONFebruary 7, 2024March 22, 2024February 5, 2024Petition to the Federal Government of CanadaWHEREAS our planet is undergoing a climate crisis caused primarily by the burning of fossil fuels.WHEREAS the costs of continued fossil fuel burning are severe, such as extreme heat events causing flooding, drought, and wildfires. WHEREAS the Government of Ontario is increasing fossil fuel energy production.THE UNDERSIGNED call upon the Federal Government to take the following actions:
  • Implement strong Clean Electricity Regulations that prohibit construction of new gas plants & phase-out existing ones by 2030.
  • Implement clear, time-based targets for the electricity sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2035 that includes interim targets.
  • Develop and adequately invest in a suite of federal funding, affordability measures, and other complementary policies to ensure we achieve affordable, secure, emissions-free electricity for everyone living in Canada by 2035.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEAccess to reliable and affordable emissions-free electricity will be the backbone of Canada’s net-zero economy. Decarbonizing electricity production by 2035 will play a significant role in enabling the rest of the economy to meet emissions reduction goals by 2050. The Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator initiative is one tool through which the Government of Canada supports Canada’s net-zero goals. With up to $8 billion in funding to support large-scale investments in key industrial sectors across the country, the Net Zero Accelerator ensures that Canada:
  • remains competitive in a net-zero economy
  • reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Significant investments have been made through the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator to ensure the Government of Canada achieves affordable, secure, emissions-free electricity for everyone living in Canada by 2035.These investments include:Almost $95M to support the development of three innovative small modular reactor (SMR) designs. SMRs are being designed for a range of applications, with the potential to replace conventional coal and fossil fuel power generation and help remote sites move off diesel with a non-emitting source of energy. SMRs also have the potential to replace the use of fossil fuels in heavy industrial applications. The three SMR projects include:
  • $27.2 million in support of Westinghouse Electric Canada so its next-generation SMR, the eVinci micro-reactor, can be successfully licensed in Canada. The eVinci™ microreactor is an emissions-free energy source and has the potential to provide a more accessible and transportable source of low-carbon energy.
  • $47.5 million in support of Moltex Energy Inc. to develop a Stable Salt Reactor that will produce emissions-free energy through a proprietary process that recycles existing used nuclear fuel.
  • $20 million investment that will help Terrestrial Energy complete a key pre-licensing milestone through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to assess the acceptability of the Generation IV technology that the company is developing as part of its $68.9 million Integral Molten Salt Reactor project, which will provide affordable energy for utilities and industry. The Generation IV technology allows the molten salt reactor to generate electric power 50 per cent more efficiently than conventional nuclear power plants that use water cooled and moderated reactor technology.
Over $54 million to support General Fusion’s development of a fusion technology. Fusion is an emissions-free technology.The Strategic Innovation Fund has also supported the development of clean technologies to better manage existing electricity supplies, enhance grid resilience and improve access to rural and remote communities.
  • Over $35 million to research and develop smart grid technology to help better manage the electricity supply in Atlantic Canada through a partnership between Siemens Canada, New Brunswick Power and Nova Scotia Power. Under this project, Siemens will research and develop smart grid technology to help better manage the provinces’ electricity and help improve power delivery to underserved communities, better integrate renewable energy into the power grid and reduce future electricity costs for consumers.
The Government is leveraging Canada’s innovation toolkit, which includes a mix of direct and indirect supports with a proven track record of securing long-term benefits for Canadians. Through the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Government is providing direct, targeted, and patient capital to firms to develop and commercialize innovative clean energy solutions at scale. The program also collaborates with federal partners to ensure that highly innovative projects receive the support they need to advance Canada’s transition towards emissions-free electricity by 2035.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the environment and clean energy.Budget 2023 directed the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to invest at least $10 billion through its Clean Power priority area, and at least $10 billion through its Green Infrastructure priority area. This was done to position the CIB as the Government of Canada’s primary financing tool for supporting clean electricity generation, transmission, and storage projects, including for major projects. The CIB's consistent approach to collaboration with provinces and private sector partners on key clean power projects provides opportunities for important coordination in this space between municipal and federal priorities across the country, facilitating more targeted and diverse programming. The CIB’s efforts in this priority sector offer opportunities for closing economic gaps in key electricity projects, attracting private capital and catalyzing major and municipal clean power projects in key regions.The CIB is an impact investor focused on accelerating infrastructure investments to create benefits for Canadians. The CIB makes investments in five priority sectors: clean power, green infrastructure, public transit, trade and transportation and broadband. As of December 31, 2023, the CIB has made total investment commitments of $11.6 billion across 56 projects worth $31.7 billion.The CIB is one tool in the toolbox of initiatives to invest in infrastructure, and works closely with Infrastructure Canada, Natural Resources Canada and other government departments. As of December 31, 2023, the CIB’s investment commitments in clean power totaled $2.9 billion across 10 projects, while attracting $2.3 billion in private and institutional capital. Seven clean power projects are in active construction. Recent examples of the CIB’s clean power investments include: the Bekevar Wind Farm in Saskatchewan, a $173 million investment commitment to build the province’s largest wind power project; the Darlington Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Ontario, a $970 million investment commitment to develop and construct Canada’s first SMR and catalyze future projects in several other provinces; and, the Lulu Island District Energy project in British Columbia, a $175 million investment commitment to expand the current district energy system using zero-carbon sewer heat recovery technology. For more information on CIB projects that are investing in clean power, please visit: Clean Power | Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) (cib-bic.ca)
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada, along with other G7 countries, has committed to transitioning to a net-zero electricity grid as a foundational measure to help achieve a net-zero economy by 2050. A clean, reliable, and affordable electricity grid is key to building a strong, clean economy and a competitive advantage that makes Canada an attractive place for businesses from around the world to invest. The federal government is building on Canada’s advantages to deliver affordable power to Canadians, grow the economy and fight climate change.The federal government has already taken steps in helping to transform the electricity sector with the 2018 publication of the amended regulations to phase out unabated coal-fired generation by 2030, along with complementary regulations to ensure the efficient performance of natural gas-fired electricity generating units.In 2023, the Government of Canada released a vision paper named Powering Canada Forward: Building a Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Electricity System for Every Region of Canada, as the basis for the development of a Clean Electricity Strategy, to be released this year. This vision paper acknowledges the reality that Canadian provincial electricity operators will need to expand their grids substantially over the coming decades to meet increased demand from Canadians. In fact, the Canada Energy Regular forecasts that provinces and territories will need to more than double their current electricity production to meet residential, commercial, and industrial consumption requirements in 2050.  It is crucial that the coming expansion of the grid be clean to ensure that Canada meets its economy-wide net zero targets by 2050 and Canada avoids making costly investments in fossil-fuel generation that run the risk of becoming stranded in the future. The Government of Canada also notes that the deployment of lower-cost renewable electricity is now surging globally and in North America and this has the potential to save Canadians money.The federal approach is also backed by over $40 billion in new funding from measures announced in the 2022 and 2023 Fall Economic Statement and Budget 2023 to support each province and territory’s efforts to achieve a net zero grid.Additionally, the Canada Electricity Advisory Council was launched last year as an independent body of 19 experts to provide the Government of Canada with advice on actions needed to achieve its net-zero emissions goals as they pertain to electricity. The Electricity Council’s advice will be a key contributor to the federal strategy.While provinces and territories are responsible for electricity generation and delivery infrastructure within their borders, the federal government has an important role to play through its ability to convene partners and coordinate efforts while also attracting new investments, developing effective regulations including to reduce emissions and ensure nuclear safety, and advancing targeted approaches—all the while ensuring its contributions are responsive to the unique circumstances and opportunities in every region of the country.Finalizing the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) later this year will support this commitment. As the demand for electricity increases over the coming decades, the CER will ensure that the expanded supply is clean, affordable, and reliable. The CER is being developed now as electricity projects can take years to develop, and predictable regulations help reduce risk by providing substantial lead time to electricity providers.On February 16, 2024, the Government of Canada released an update on the consultations and the design options being considered for the final CER. These options address the feedback received during the previous six months of extensive consultations and aim to enhance the flexibility for provincial operators to continue to deliver reliable and affordable power while maintaining Canada’s ability to achieve its emissions reduction goal. Before finalizing the CER, the Government of Canada will continue to engage on these options under consideration with key interested parties, including provinces and utilities.  
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Department of Finance response to part 3 is as follows:The Department of Finance would like to highlight that as an important pillar of Canada’s clean economy jobs plan, the government is focused on implementing five new major investment tax credits, to support clean electricity, clean hydrogen, clean technology adoption, clean technology manufacturing, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. In particular, the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit aim to help accelerate investments needed to support Canada’s clean electricity sector.In the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced a 30-percent Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit to help companies adopt clean technologies. The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit would be available to eligible investments in certain electricity generation equipment, stationary electricity storage systems, low carbon heating equipment, and non-road zero-emission vehicles and related charging and refuelling infrastructure. Budget 2023 announced that investments in electricity or heat generation from geothermal energy would also be eligible for the tax credit. In Budget 2023, the government also proposed to introduce a 15-percent, refundable Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit to accelerate the investments needed to expand the capacity of Canada’s clean electricity grid and ensure it delivers more sustainable, more secure, and more affordable electricity across Canada. The credit would be available to eligible investments in non-emitting electricity generation, abated natural gas-fired electricity generation, stationary electricity storage systems, and equipment for the transmission of electricity between provinces and territories.The 2023 Fall Economic Statement also proposed to expand eligibility for the Clean Technology and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits to support the generation of electricity, heat, or both electricity and heat, from waste biomass. 
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is taking ambitious action to combat the climate crisis, including through targeted programs to accelerate the growth of clean energy production, such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), launched in 2021 and recapitalized with an additional $3.5 billion in funding, creating thousands of more jobs while providing clean, affordable, and reliable power to Canadian communities. Eligible projects for this program include established renewables (e.g. wind, solar, small hydro, biomass), emerging technologies, (e.g. geothermal, concentrated solar, energy storage, renewable heating), and grid modernization (e.g. distributed energy resources, electric vehicle integration, microgrid, transmission). As of November 27, 2023, SREPs has approved 71 deployment projects (e.g., wind, solar, storage), enabling the deployment of approximately 2,600 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity and displacing 3.5 megatonnes of CO2e per year. The majority of these projects are in jurisdictions which still generate electricity using fossil fuels, preventing the need for the construction of new gas plants as energy demand rises and coal-fired electricity generation units are decommissioned in line with Canada’s bold commitment to clean air and climate action, through the phase out of thermal coal power. SREPs has also approved 49 capacity building projects, and over half of both deployment and capacity building projects have Indigenous ownership.One example in Ontario is SREPs’ recent $16.7 million investment to support Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to increase the number and diversity of clean energy resources that can participate in delivering electricity in Ontario, including energy storage projects, and distributed energy resources such as small scale solar and wind to Ontario’s grid.Significant investments in renewable energy in Alberta include $32 million to support the Michichi Solar project and $31.7 million for the Kneehill Solar project. These projects are a partnership between Sawridge First Nation (a Cree people that are in the original signatory to Treaty No. 8) and Capstone Infrastructure Corporation. Each of these projects includes a 25 MW solar farm and grid modernization technologies to contribute clean energy to the Alberta electricity grid, while supporting an equitable transition to low-carbon economy, Indigenous ownership and encouraging market adoption of similar technologies. Combined these projects generate enough electricity to power more than 12,000 average Alberta homes. Michichi and Kneehill solar are reducing GHG emissions by approximately 43,000 tonnes of CO2e a year combined; the equivalent of approximately 13,000 gas-powered cars off the road.The Government of Canada is also supporting Ontario to scale up clean power production in the face of rising demand through strategic investments in nuclear power generation. Through up to $50 million in funding, from the Electricity Predevelopment Program, for Bruce Power’s pre-development work on new conventional power in Southern Ontario, and over $970 million in financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) for the Darlington Small Modular Reactor, the Government of Canada is investing in Ontario’s job-creating supply chain while displacing the need for new gas generation on the grid and creating baseload power to compliment renewable energy generation.Another key targeted program aimed at reducing fossil fuel use is the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program. Launched in 2018, CERRC has an overall funding commitment of $443 million until 2027 to reduce diesel use for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities. To date, the program has supported more than 140 projects nationally, including capacity building initiatives, large capital renewable energy projects, innovative technology demonstration projects, and bioheat projects. The program is helping create environmental, social and economic benefits to support healthier and more sustainable communities.Through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) the Government of Canada is advancing clean energy technologies that will help Canada meet its climate change targets, reducing emissions while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. By supporting innovative research, development and demonstration projects, and related scientific activities we are accelerating electrification and maximizing the benefits of renewable heat and power.The Government of Canada is addressing key electricity infrastructure through the Smart Grid Program; up to $100 million has been invested for utility-led projects to reduce GHG emissions, better utilize existing electricity assets and foster innovation and clean jobs. The Smart Grid Program was renewed in Budget 2023, with a new Call for demonstration projects launched October 31, 2023. The Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Focus Area of the current Smart Grids Call aims to support electric grid modernization and energy innovation by funding projects that promote regulatory experimentation, the adoption of flexible regulatory procedures, skills and knowledge development, and meaningful participation and engagement in the regulatory ecosystem.In addition to strategic investments, Canada is seizing on its position as a global clean energy investment destination through a variety of Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs). The ITCs are incentivizing investment in green manufacturing, renewable energy, carbon management technologies, and much more. The full value of the credits are linked to prevailing wages to ensure the creation of sustainable jobs for Canadian workers as Canada builds a net-zero future.Further to these investments, the Government of Canada is working in partnership with provinces and territories to lift regulatory barriers to the growth of the green industries. Alongside the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-49 to amend the Atlantic Accord Acts in order to unlock Canada’s enormous potential to generate renewable offshore wind-power by leveraging Canada’s existing offshore energy expertise. Bill C-49 will allow for the creation of thousands of sustainable jobs in Atlantic Canada, resulting in the generation of a significant clean energy surplus, which can power North American industries, and power the creation of a globally-oriented and decarbonized hydrogen sector.To help accelerate investments that promote sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity systems, the Government of Canada also launched the Canada Electricity Advisory Council in May 2023. This independent body of 19 experts will provide the Government of Canada with advice – through the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources – focusing on several key areas for creating a net-zero emitting electricity system by 2035, and through it, a net-zero emitting economy by 2050. This includes studying and advising government on additional steps to enable the transition in an affordable manner for Canadians; how to enable the pace of investment and project development needed; how to support Indigenous communities taking part in- and benefiting from those investments; how to facilitate regional cooperation where beneficial; and how to accelerate innovation to ensure affordability, reliability, and value growth far into the future. The Council provided its interim advice to the Government in December 2023 and will provide its final advice in a report later in 2024, which will be a key contributor to the federal Clean Electricity Strategy.In the years ahead, we will work with our provincial, territorial, and industry partners to bring forward new approaches and avenues ensuring Canada meets its short term and longer-term climate goals. Canada’s first Clean Electricity Strategy expected to be published in 2024, will lay out the integrated package of policies, tools and actions that the Government plans to use to support, facilitate and accelerate the electricity sector’s transition to net-zero while ensuring Canada’s clean energy future reflects and builds upon unique circumstances and opportunities emerging in different parts of the country.
Electricity supplyGreenhouse gases
44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsMarch 21, 2024441-02256441-02256 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONMarch 21, 2024November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 20, 2024441-02079441-02079 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONFebruary 5, 2024March 20, 2024October 23, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
     
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsMarch 18, 2024441-02230441-02230 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONMarch 18, 2024November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 18, 2024441-02055441-02055 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONFebruary 1, 2024March 18, 2024November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
       
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsFebruary 13, 2024441-02156441-02156 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCFebruary 13, 2024May 18, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C clearly communicates that the future of humanity is at risk without “rapid and far-reaching” changes to mitigate a 1.5°C temperature rise in the next 11 years and to achieve zero emissions by 2050;
  • Canada is on course to significantly overshoot our 2030 Paris Agreement target (Auditor General's Report 2018) with oil and gas and transportation emissions continuing to rise (Government of Canada);
  • The World Health Organization has clearly stated that “climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century”; and
  • The health impacts from climate change, including lung disease, heat-related illness, spread of infectious diseases, displacement, famine, drought, and mental health impacts, are being felt in Canada and abroad and are expected to accelerate across our planet at an unprecedented rate threatening "human lives and viability of the national health systems they depend on” (Lancet Countdown 2018, Lancet Countdown Briefing for Canadian Policymakers, 2018).
We, the undersigned, Physician Mothers of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Act upon the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment “Call to Action on Climate Change and Health” report (February 5, 2019), which has clearly outlined specific measures towards zero emissions;
  • Prioritize the elimination of emissions and preservation of a healthy environment as part of every portfolio and in every decision made by our federal and provincial parties;
  • Implement a nationwide carbon pricing strategy;
  • Commit to the rapid elimination of fossil fuels and coal from our economy;
  • Commit to rapid incorporation of green energy and net-zero infrastructure across the country; and
  • Eliminate single use plastics.
Canadian Association of Physicians for the EnvironmentCarbon pricingFossil fuelsGreenhouse gasesPlasticsRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 29, 2024441-01970441-01970 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONDecember 6, 2023January 29, 2024November 22, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
   
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 29, 2024441-01968441-01968 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONDecember 5, 2023January 29, 2024November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/oil-gas-emissions-cap/options-discussion-paper.html to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions, and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. On December 7, 2023, the Government of Canada released a proposed regulatory framework for an oil and gas sector greenhouse gas emissions cap. Comments on the Framework will inform draft regulations, targeted for publication in 2024.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising by $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuel Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
             
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01961441-01961 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 27, 2023December 12, 2023November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
        
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01956441-01956 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 24, 2023December 12, 2023November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
   
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01946441-01946 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 22, 2023December 12, 2023November 21, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
           
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01912441-01912 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 9, 2023December 12, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
            
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 11, 2023441-01851441-01851 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 27, 2023December 11, 2023October 23, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
      
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 11, 2023441-01823441-01823 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 25, 2023December 11, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
      
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 7, 2023441-01800441-01800 (Environment)MarcSerréNickel BeltLiberalONOctober 24, 2023December 7, 2023October 23, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades, if left unabated, will bring "widespread devastation and extreme weather";
  • The summer of 2023 was the hottest three months globally on record, and Canada is experienced the most severe wildfire season on record;
  • In the past decade, over 85% of gases that are warming our planet, greenhouse gases, come from burning fossil fuels;
  • Canada's oil and gas sector is our fastest and largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to "cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050."
WE, the undersigned residents of Canada, call on the federal government to move forward immediately with a bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving an interim and science-based target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to achieve Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets in a way that allows the sector to compete in a global economy that is transitioning to net-zero. Addressing emissions from the oil and gas sector—the largest source of GHG emissions in Canada—is critical to the achievement of Canada’s climate goals and international commitments, and vital to the sustainability and competitiveness of Canada’s energy industry.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which outlines the measures Canada is taking to reach its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, a 40-45% economy-wide reduction in GHG emissions below 2005 levels by 2030. A key element of the Government’s plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This Government of Canada commitment was first announced in November 2021 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.Capping and cutting oil and gas sector emissions will send a clear, long-term policy signal to invest in clean technology, low-emissions energy assets, and supporting infrastructure while avoiding investments in oil and gas production that do not incorporate best-in-class technologies and infrastructure. The oil and gas emissions cap will build on other measures in place to reduce emissions from the sector, including carbon pollution pricing and methane regulations. The Government plans to release further details before the end of 2023.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 7, 2023441-01803441-01803 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 24, 2023December 7, 2023October 23, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
    
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 6, 2023441-01797441-01797 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 23, 2023December 6, 2023October 18, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
  
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 5, 2023441-01901441-01901 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 7, 2023December 5, 2023October 18, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 5, 2023441-01888441-01888 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONNovember 6, 2023December 5, 2023October 5, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 4, 2023441-01791441-01791 (Environment)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCOctober 20, 2023December 4, 2023October 17, 2023Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWhereas:
  • We are in a climate emergency crisis. Canada's temperatures are rising faster than overall global temperatures. Extreme weather events, including unprecedented droughts, hurricanes, floods, and forest fires are destroying lives, homes, communities, and forests. 120,000 Canadians have been driven from their home;
  • Young people are grieving; feeling hopeless and anxious about a frightening future. They feel abandoned by a government that is failing to act decisively to counteract the worsening climate catastrophe;
  • Although the Federal government has made multiple climate commitments on the world stage, no effective action to reduce greenhouse gases and regulate the fossil industry has shown results. Indeed Canada is the only G7 country whose emissions are well above 1990 levels and continue to rise;
  • Oil and gas extraction is the highest greenhouse gas (ghg) emitting industry in Canada. Between 1990 and 2021, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 88%, with no clear action to curb emissions. In 2023 Canada's five biggest oil and gas companies made $38.3 billion dollars in profit; and
  • Despite the fossil fuel sector's record breaking profits, Canada's Federal government continues to provide them with unwarranted subsidies and tax breaks. Between 2019 and 2021, $4.3 billion Canadian dollars were given directly to support oil and gas.
Therefore:We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada and the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to urgently fulfil its responsibility to protect this land and its citizens now and in the future. We therefore ask you to urgently legislate and swiftly enact an economically prudent oil and gas emission reduction plan. The target of this plan would be to reduce oil and gas emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030.We suggest that this be achieved by:
  • Placing a legislated and monitored emission cap on all oil and gas production facilities. Emission caps must deliver real, absolute emission reductions and include methane;
  • Removing all publicly financed tax exemptions to the oil and gas sector;
  • Eliminating all inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by January 1, 2024 and redirect this money to the urgent development of proven clean energy;
  • Stopping all government assumption of transfer of risk, and provision of goods and services to fossil fuel companies; and
  • Prohibiting fossil fuel companies from using offsets or exemptions on exported fuels.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOver the past six years, the Government of Canada has demonstrated leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. It understands that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Canada has invested more than $100 billion to address climate change since 2015 and has recently announced $9.1 billion in new investments.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment.On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (ERP)in Parliament and released the plan. The 2030 Plan is the Government’s next major step in taking action to Canada’s climate objectives and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Carbon Neutrality Advisory Group.The 2030 ERP builds on the significant progress Canada had already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, released in 2020. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking additional actions, including:
  • Working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop a cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector;
  • Developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • Investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • Working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a Clean Electricity Standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • Helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions; and
  • Ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of Sustainable Jobs and Skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be an evergreen roadmap to guide emissions reduction efforts. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Capping and cutting oil and gas sector emissions, with milestones set at a pace that aligns with achieving Canada’s 2030 and net-zero by 2050 climate change objectives will send a clear, long-term policy signal to invest in clean technology, low-emissions energy assets, and supporting infrastructure while avoiding investments in oil and gas production that do not incorporate best-in-class technologies.In 2022, the Government published a discussion paper titled Options to cap and cut oil and gas sector greenhouse gas emissions to achieve 2030 goals and net-zero by 2050, which sought input on two potential regulatory approaches to implement the cap: the development of a new cap-and-trade system under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; and the modification of existing carbon pollution pricing systems under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The Government plans to release further details before the end of 2023.The oil and gas emissions cap will build on other measures in place to reduce emissions from the sector, including carbon pollution pricing, Clean Fuel Regulations and methane regulations.On July 24, 2023, the Government of Canada released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self-Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. The Guidelines apply to all federal departments and agencies. The Framework and Guidelines fulfill Canada’s domestic, G7 and G20 commitments to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. Canada is the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfills this commitment and transparently supports action. The Guidelines will also be used to prevent the creation of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the future.
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 4, 2023441-01778441-01778 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCOctober 19, 2023December 4, 2023October 12, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C clearly communicates that the future of humanity is at risk without “rapid and far-reaching” changes to mitigate a 1.5°C temperature rise in the next 11 years and to achieve zero emissions by 2050;
  • Canada is on course to significantly overshoot our 2030 Paris Agreement target (Auditor General's Report 2018) with oil and gas and transportation emissions continuing to rise (Government of Canada);
  • The World Health Organization has clearly stated that “climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century”; and
  • The health impacts from climate change, including lung disease, heat-related illness, spread of infectious diseases, displacement, famine, drought, and mental health impacts, are being felt in Canada and abroad and are expected to accelerate across our planet at an unprecedented rate threatening "human lives and viability of the national health systems they depend on” (Lancet Countdown 2018, Lancet Countdown Briefing for Canadian Policymakers, 2018).
We, the undersigned, Physician Mothers of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Act upon the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment “Call to Action on Climate Change and Health” report (February 5, 2019), which has clearly outlined specific measures towards zero emissions;
  • Prioritize the elimination of emissions and preservation of a healthy environment as part of every portfolio and in every decision made by our federal and provincial parties;
  • Implement a nationwide carbon pricing strategy;
  • Commit to the rapid elimination of fossil fuels and coal from our economy;
  • Commit to rapid incorporation of green energy and net-zero infrastructure across the country; and
  • Eliminate single use plastics.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, Canada must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve its national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price rose to $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Meeting Canada’s G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023, and committing to develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing the Canadian Center for Climate Services, which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is implementing an ambitious, comprehensive, and circular economy approach to reduce plastic waste, increase the value retention and recovery of plastics, and tackle plastic pollution through a range of complementary solutions spanning the plastics lifecycle. By reducing plastic pollution and improving how plastic is made, used, and managed, the Government of Canada can strengthen sustainable economies, grow jobs, help fight climate change, and protect biodiversity and the environment.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single-use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is implementing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy has a shared vision for climate resilience and provides a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.   
Canadian Association of Physicians for the EnvironmentCarbon pricingFossil fuelsGreenhouse gasesPlasticsRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 30, 2023441-01769441-01769 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 17, 2023November 30, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
 
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 20, 2023441-01717441-01717 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONOctober 4, 2023November 20, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
  
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01692441-01692 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 28, 2023November 9, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
       
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01697441-01697 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 29, 2023November 9, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
     
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 8, 2023441-01656441-01656 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 25, 2023November 8, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
     
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 3, 2023441-01650441-01650 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 21, 2023November 3, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
   
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 2, 2023441-01619441-01619 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 19, 2023November 2, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The HonourableThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
 
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 1, 2023441-01602441-01602 (Environment)MarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONSeptember 18, 2023November 1, 2023September 15, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring 'widespread devastation and extreme weather';
  • We are certainly feeling these impacts in Canada, today, with increased flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures;
  • Addressing this climate crisis requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest growing source of emissions; and
  • In 2021, the federal government committed to 'cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050'.
We, the undersigned, residents of Kingston and the Islands, call upon the Government of Canada to move forward, immediately, with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
  
Greenhouse gasesOil and gas
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2023441-01464441-01464 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMay 17, 2023June 20, 2023February 6, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C clearly communicates that the future of humanity is at risk without “rapid and far-reaching” changes to mitigate a 1.5°C temperature rise in the next 11 years and to achieve zero emissions by 2050;
  • Canada is on course to significantly overshoot our 2030 Paris Agreement target (Auditor General's Report 2018) with oil and gas and transportation emissions continuing to rise (Government of Canada);
  • The World Health Organization has clearly stated that “climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century”; and
  • The health impacts from climate change, including lung disease, heat-related illness, spread of infectious diseases, displacement, famine, drought, and mental health impacts, are being felt in Canada and abroad and are expected to accelerate across our planet at an unprecedented rate threatening "human lives and viability of the national health systems they depend on” (Lancet Countdown 2018, Lancet Countdown Briefing for Canadian Policymakers, 2018).
We, the undersigned, Physician Mothers of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Act upon the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment “Call to Action on Climate Change and Health” report (February 5, 2019), which has clearly outlined specific measures towards zero emissions;
  • Prioritize the elimination of emissions and preservation of a healthy environment as part of every portfolio and in every decision made by our federal and provincial parties;
  • Implement a nationwide carbon pricing strategy;
  • Commit to the rapid elimination of fossil fuels and coal from our economy;
  • Commit to rapid incorporation of green energy and net-zero infrastructure across the country; and
  • Eliminate single use plastics.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient, economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Act  also holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,  Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Committing to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies from 2023 to 2025, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing of the Canadian Center for Climate Services which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is taking a multi-faceted approach towards zero plastic waste and the transition to a circular economy focused on eliminating plastic pollution at its source and on keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.The Government has developed a management framework for single-use plastics that provides a transparent and evidence-based approach to monitoring risks to the environment posed by single-use plastics. The framework includes four criteria to determine if a single-use plastic should be banned: if the item is prevalent in the environment, poses a threat of harm (e.g., to wildlife and their habitat), is difficult to recycle, and has readily available alternatives. Using these criteria, the Government identified six categories of single-use plastics, and on June 22, 2022, published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. These Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Single-use plastic flexible straws will remain available, under certain conditions, to allow continued access to those who require them for health and accessibility reasons. The Government is also developing regulations to require that all plastic packaging in Canada contain at least 50% recycled content by 2030. The same regulations will also include labelling rules that prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol unless 80% of Canada’s recycling facilities accept, and have reliable end markets for, these products. Working with provinces and territories, the Government will also implement and enforce an ambitious recycling target of 90% for plastic beverage containers. The Government has also committed to supporting provincial and territorial producer responsibility efforts by establishing a plastics registry that would report annually on plastics in the Canadian economy.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is developing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy will advance a shared vision for climate resilience and provide a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.    
Canadian Association of Physicians for the EnvironmentCarbon pricingFossil fuelsGreenhouse gasesPlasticsRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2023441-01418441-01418 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMay 3, 2023June 16, 2023February 8, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C clearly communicates that the future of humanity is at risk without “rapid and far-reaching” changes to mitigate a 1.5°C temperature rise in the next 11 years and to achieve zero emissions by 2050;
  • Canada is on course to significantly overshoot our 2030 Paris Agreement target (Auditor General's Report 2018) with oil and gas and transportation emissions continuing to rise (Government of Canada);
  • The World Health Organization has clearly stated that “climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century”; and
  • The health impacts from climate change, including lung disease, heat-related illness, spread of infectious diseases, displacement, famine, drought, and mental health impacts, are being felt in Canada and abroad and are expected to accelerate across our planet at an unprecedented rate threatening "human lives and viability of the national health systems they depend on” (Lancet Countdown 2018, Lancet Countdown Briefing for Canadian Policymakers, 2018).
We, the undersigned, Physician Mothers of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Act upon the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment “Call to Action on Climate Change and Health” report (February 5, 2019), which has clearly outlined specific measures towards zero emissions;
  • Prioritize the elimination of emissions and preservation of a healthy environment as part of every portfolio and in every decision made by our federal and provincial parties;
  • Implement a nationwide carbon pricing strategy;
  • Commit to the rapid elimination of fossil fuels and coal from our economy;
  • Commit to rapid incorporation of green energy and net-zero infrastructure across the country; and
  • Eliminate single use plastics.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient, economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Committing to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies from 2023 to 2025, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve at net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing of the Canadian Center for Climate Services which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is taking a multi-faceted approach towards zero plastic waste and the transition to a circular economy focused on eliminating plastic pollution at its source and on keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.The Government has developed a management framework for single-use plastics that provides a transparent and evidence-based approach to monitoring risks to the environment posed by single-use plastics. The framework includes four criteria to determine if a single-use plastic should be banned: if the item is prevalent in the environment, poses a threat of harm (e.g., to wildlife and their habitat), is difficult to recycle, and has readily available alternatives. Using these criteria, the Government identified six categories of single-use plastics, and on June 22, 2022, published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. These Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Single-use plastic flexible straws will remain available, under certain conditions, to allow continued access to those who require them for health and accessibility reasons. The Government is also developing regulations to require that all plastic packaging in Canada contain at least 50 per cent recycled content by 2030. The same regulations will also include labelling rules that prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol unless 80 per cent of Canada’s recycling facilities accept, and have reliable end markets for, these products. Working with provinces and territories, the Government will also implement and enforce an ambitious recycling target of 90 per cent for plastic beverage containers. The Government has also committed to supporting provincial and territorial producer responsibility efforts by establishing a plastics registry that would report annually on plastics in the Canadian economy.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is developing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy will advance a shared vision for climate resilience and provide a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.    
Canadian Association of Physicians for the EnvironmentCarbon pricingFossil fuelsGreenhouse gasesPlasticsRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament220CertifiedJanuary 5, 2023e-4133e-4133 (Agriculture)AlexDochertyJohnBarlowFoothillsConservativeABNovember 3, 2022, at 2:51 p.m. (EDT)January 2, 2023, at 2:51 p.m. (EDT)January 5, 2023Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada has set a 30% reduction target to decrease emissions from the application of fertilizers by 2030. This self-imposed and arbitrary goal will impact Canada’s hard-working farm families and Canadians as whole significantly;Canadian farmers’ crop yields are already under incredible strain as the price of inputs for agricultural production have increased sharply, especially the cost of fuel inflated by the lack of exemptions for farmers and producers from the Carbon Tax which has led to this year’s crop being one of the most expensive in Canadian history;Food prices have already increased 10% as a direct result of record inflation, and any mandated restrictions on fertilizer use that could arise from how this emissions target would be implemented will only further increase the price of food in grocery stores, limit farmers crop yields, and will put farms across Canada out of business at a time when we are being relied on to help feed the world;A study by MNP states the 30 per cent reduction in fertilizer target will cost our economy about $48 billion by 2030; andCanadian farmers are already world leaders on environmental stewardship.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to listen to the voices of Canadian farmers and commit to never implementing policy that directly or indirectly leads to reducing the amounts of fertilizer available to Canada’s agriculture industry and work directly with impacted stakeholders to promote best practices for emissions reduction while forgoing an arbitrary reduction goal.Agricultural policyFertilizersGreenhouse gases44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 14, 2022e-3940e-3940 (Agriculture)WilliamGerrardDanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservativeMBMarch 23, 2022, at 10:38 a.m. (EDT)July 21, 2022, at 10:38 a.m. (EDT)September 28, 2022November 14, 2022July 26, 2022Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada has not ruled out limiting the amount of fertilizer that Canadian farmers can use in order to meet their national emission reduction target of 30% below 2020 levels from fertilizers;Recent reports have indicated the negative impact that meeting the government’s emission targets would have on domestic food production, cost to agricultural producers, economic growth within the agriculture sector, and to the global supply of food;By 2050 the world population is estimated to grow by 2 billion people and agricultural production will need to increase significantly to meet demand;Experts have indicated that reducing fertilizer emissions by 30% will be unachievable without reducing crop production;Global food insecurity will continue to increase as a result of international turmoil and trade uncertainty; andCanadian farmers are amongst the most efficient users of fertilizer in the world through over a decade of implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to work with farmers, provinces and the agricultural sector, to ensure any plan to reduce agricultural emissions does not restrict or financially discourage the amount of fertilizer that Canadian farmers use and does not limit Canada’s ability to maximize food production.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe government acknowledges the importance of taking action on climate change. The consequences of climate change are being felt right now here in Canada and around the world, affecting agricultural production and food security . The science is clear that existing efforts are not enough to avoid catastrophic effects and that more needs to be done to address climate change, and on a faster timeline. The recently published Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C found that to keep global warming below 1.5°C, net human caused emissions of CO2 need to fall globally by about 45% below 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero around 2050.Climate change is already intensifying weather patterns, resulting in more intense rainfall and flooding in some regions with more intense droughts in other regions. For example, drought across western Canada resulted in yield and productivity losses on over 18 million hectares of cropland and 22 million hectares of pasture, while in British Columbia more than 1,100 farms, 15,000 hectares and 2.5 million livestock in the Sumas region were impacted by the floods in 2022. Recently, high winds from hurricane Fiona has also reduced yields from apple orchards, damaged unharvested areas and on-farm infrastructure, including to winter feed storage across Atlantic Canada. Extreme weather and an ongoing global pandemic underline why 2022 is a crucial year for climate action and ensuring international collaboration in the fight against climate change. It also points to the need for clear and decisive action here at home, where all Canadians and all sectors of the economy are being called upon to do their part to reduce emissions and build climate resiliency. The government of Canada is not the only one recognizing the need for a strong action on climate change. The provincial and territorial (FPT) governments have committed to working with the federal government to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector through the new $500 million Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP).In December 2020, the Government of Canada announced its Strengthened Climate Plan, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.” It includes a number of measures for the agriculture sector, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes a national target to reduce absolute levels of emissions arising from fertilizer application by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.Nitrous oxide emissions from synthetic fertilizer application accounts for over one-third of nitrous oxide emissions in Canada. In addition, emissions from crop production, of which nitrogen fertilizer application is a major driver, are forecast to continue increasing by 2030, based on a business as usual trajectory.Given the essential role of nitrogen fertilizer in agricultural production, the fertilizer target was established based on available scientific research and analysis which points to the potential of optimizing nitrogen fertilizer use with an accompanying reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining or increasing yield.In order to achieve a concrete reduction in overall emissions, the target is established relative to absolute emissions rather than emissions intensity. The target is focused solely on reducing emissions arising from fertilizer use in Canada. It does not represent a mandatory reduction in the amount of fertilizer used on the farm.The goal is to maximize efficiency, optimize fertilizer use, encourage innovation, and to work collaboratively with the agriculture sector, partners and stakeholders in identifying opportunities that will allow us to successfully reach this target.The emissions reduction target was the result of an iterative process which considered various factors and characteristics, to develop a target that is:
  • Ambitious – considering climate goals and international efforts;
  • Technically Achievable – technologies and know-how largely exist;
  • Economically Feasible – potential cost savings and increased yield through efficiency gains and better management; and
  • Scientifically Defensible – supported by research findings relevant to Canadian context.
The fertilizer emission target is ambitious, but achievable. It is intended to build upon the sector’s work to date, and increase adoption of region- and farm-specific approaches that will reverse the trend of rising emissions arising from fertilizer use while maintaining the sector’s competitiveness and Canada’s reputation as a top producer and exporter of quality crops. To a large extent, the required technologies and practices already exist. It is now a question of how to increase their use, identify and address any challenges or shortcomings, and ensure that farmers have the knowledge and support required to do so. This consultation is a key part of the Government of Canada’s efforts to develop a collaborative approach to meet this target.In March 2021, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) launched a series of informal, targeted engagement sessions to seek early feedback from the agriculture sector, including commodity and grower associations, provinces, and industry organizations. These sessions informed this discussion paper, the current phase of consultation, and engagement plans.The second phase of the engagement process sought feedback from farmers, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, the private sector, non-government organizations, and the public. A consultation process was launched on March 4th, 2022. This included release of a Discussion Paper and corresponding online survey which received 1,250 completed responses.  In April 2022, a Town Hall was held to hear directly from producers, industry representatives and stakeholders about working together to identify a strategy to reduce emissions. In September and October 2022, a series of technical workshops were held, bringing together scientists, government, provinces, territories, and industry experts to discuss key topics including beneficial management practices and fertilizer emissions data. The feedback collected during these engagement activities will be used by the Government of Canada to inform next steps in the development and implementation of a strategy to reduce emissions and improve nutrient management in Canadian agriculture while not limiting Canada’s ability to maximize food production.
Agricultural policyFertilizersGreenhouse gases
44th Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 20, 2022441-00587441-00587 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 15, 2022September 20, 2022May 4, 2022PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C clearly communicates that the future of humanity is at risk without “rapid and far-reaching” changes to mitigate a 1.5°C temperature rise in the next 11 years and to achieve zero emissions by 2050;
  • Canada is on course to significantly overshoot our 2030 Paris Agreement target (Auditor General's Report 2018) with oil and gas and transportation emissions continuing to rise (Government of Canada);
  • The World Health Organization has clearly stated that “climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century”; and
  • The health impacts from climate change, including lung disease, heat-related illness, spread of infectious diseases, displacement, famine, drought, and mental health impacts, are being felt in Canada and abroad and are expected to accelerate across our planet at an unprecedented rate threatening "human lives and viability of the national health systems they depend on” (Lancet Countdown 2018, Lancet Countdown Briefing for Canadian Policymakers, 2018).
We, the undersigned, Physician Mothers of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Act upon the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment “Call to Action on Climate Change and Health” report (February 5, 2019), which has clearly outlined specific measures towards zero emissions;
  • Prioritize the elimination of emissions and preservation of a healthy environment as part of every portfolio and in every decision made by our federal and provincial parties;
  • Implement a nationwide carbon pricing strategy;
  • Commit to the rapid elimination of fossil fuels and coal from our economy;
  • Commit to rapid incorporation of green energy and net-zero infrastructure across the country; and
  • Eliminate single use plastics.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient, economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Committing to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies from 2023 to 2025, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve at net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing of the Canadian Center for Climate Services which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is taking a multi-faceted approach towards zero plastic waste and the transition to a circular economy focused on eliminating plastic pollution at its source and on keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.The Government has developed a management framework for single-use plastics that provides a transparent and evidence-based approach to monitoring risks to the environment posed by single-use plastics. The framework includes four criteria to determine if a single-use plastic should be banned: if the item is prevalent in the environment, poses a threat of harm (e.g., to wildlife and their habitat), is difficult to recycle, and has readily available alternatives. Using these criteria, the Government identified six categories of single-use plastics, and on June 22, 2022, published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. These Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Single-use plastic flexible straws will remain available, under certain conditions, to allow continued access to those who require them for health and accessibility reasons. The Government is also developing regulations to require that all plastic packaging in Canada contain at least 50 per cent recycled content by 2030. The same regulations will also include labelling rules that prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol unless 80 per cent of Canada’s recycling facilities accept, and have reliable end markets for, these products. Working with provinces and territories, the Government will also implement and enforce an ambitious recycling target of 90 per cent for plastic beverage containers. The Government has also committed to supporting provincial and territorial producer responsibility efforts by establishing a plastics registry that would report annually on plastics in the Canadian economy.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is developing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy will advance a shared vision for climate resilience and provide a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.  
Canadian Association of Physicians for the EnvironmentCarbon pricingFossil fuelsGreenhouse gasesPlasticsRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 20, 2022e-3821e-3821 (National defence and military operations)TamaraLorinczHon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLiberalONFebruary 7, 2022, at 4:24 p.m. (EDT)March 9, 2022, at 4:24 p.m. (EDT)May 9, 2022June 20, 2022March 10, 2022Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The government of Canada plans to purchase 88 new fighter jets for $19 billion;The No New Fighter Jets Coalition has estimated the life-cycle costs to be $76.8 billion;Spending on new fighter jets would divert resources away from crucial social and environmental needs and Indigenous communities;Former Deputy Minister of National Defense, Charles Nixon, asserted that new fighter jets were not necessary to protect security or sovereignty;Fighter jets use a specialized fuel JP8, emit excessive emissions and exacerbate the climate crisis;There is no plan to offset these emissions preventing the government from decarbonizing and meeting its Paris Agreement target;National Defense is the largest emitter among all federal departments, yet most of its emissions are exempt from the federal emission reduction plan;Low-level fighter jet training causes noise pollution and disrupt nearby communities; Air weapons ranges harm the forest, soil, water and wildlife;Fighter jets are for bombing that destroys infrastructure and kills people; andInternational conflicts can be resolved with peaceful diplomacy and without fighter jets.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Cancel the competition to purchase new combat aircraft;2. Include all of the emissions from the military vehicles and operations in the government’s emission reduction plan and net-zero plan; and3. Invest in a conversion plan to create thousands of jobs in the green, care economy to transition Canada away from fossil fuel and armed forces.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.In March 2022, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan – a requirement under the Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act. The Emissions Reduction Plan is an ambitious and achievable roadmap that outlines a sector-by-sector path for Canada to reach its emissions reduction target of 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Progress under this Plan will be reviewed in reports produced in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Additional targets and plans will be developed for 2035 through to 2050. The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan includes $9.1 billion of new federal investments in climate action, building on over $100 billion invested in climate and clean growth from 2015 to 2021. The plan will support Canada in building a low-carbon economy. It is also central to the federal government’s goal of creating one million jobs, restoring employment to pre-pandemic levels. Beyond job creation, the plan includes actions to ensure that building Canada’s low-carbon economy is inclusive, equitable and benefits all Canadians.The Government of Canada is engaged in parallel efforts to ensure Canada’s workforce and communities thrive in a net-zero future. In July 2021, the Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of Labour launched a consultation process to inform the development of legislation and comprehensive action to achieve a just transition and ensure that workers and industry have the information, tools and supports they need to prepare for and adapt to labour market changes brought on by the global energy transformation. The Minister of Natural Resources, in partnership with provinces and territories, is also launching a regional process to develop place-based economic strategies to define and accelerate key regional opportunities and priorities in the shift to a net-zero economy. This process will seek to align resources, timelines, and regulatory approaches on a regional basis – working with provinces and territories, industry, labour, and Indigenous peoples – to accelerate economic activity, energy system transformation and ensure that Canada fosters the skills and develops the workforce required in line with these opportunities.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOver the past six years, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Canada has invested more than $100 billion to address climate change since 2015 and has recently announced $9.1 billion in new investments that builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (ERP)in Parliament and released the plan. The 2030 Plan is the Government’s next major step in taking action to achieve Canada’s climate objectives and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Carbon Neutrality Advisory Group.The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, released in 2020. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a Clean Electricity Standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of Sustainable Jobs and Skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayBy investing in a new fleet of future fighters, we are ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to protect Canadians. A state-of-the-art fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force will help ensure our pilots have the most advanced equipment available to protect Canada’s territorial integrity, including our Arctic and our communities in the North, to meet our commitments to North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NORAD), and to deal with unforeseen threats.Indeed, as the primary Canadian aircraft assigned to NORAD, Canada’s fighter aircraft are on continuous alert to respond to potential aerial threats to the safety and security of Canada and Canadians. Additionally, fighter aircraft are employed in support of security for major international events and are a key part of Canada’s response to international threats.For the past four decades, Canada’s multi-role CF-18 fleet has been the backbone of Canada’s air defence forces, a fundamental part of Canada’s contribution to the defence of North America through NORAD and a valuable component of Canada’s participation in peace support, security and combat operations overseas to protect and promote Canadian interests and values.Strong, Secure, Engaged states that National Defence will acquire 88 advanced fighter aircraft to replace the fighter fleet, which will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to meet Canada’s commitments to NORAD and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) simultaneously and without compromise.At the time of this response, the project office is in the finalization phase of the procurement process with the top-ranked bidder, the United States Government and Lockheed Martin, for the F-35A fighter aircraft.Ensuring our Canadian Armed Forces members have the resources and equipment they need to do the difficult jobs we ask of them remains a top priority for the Canadian Government. Getting the right fighter for Canada is critical to enforce Canada’s sovereignty, enable continental security, and contribute to international peace and security.Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation and Canada is taking a whole of government approach to fight it. To that end, National Defence is undertaking a series of net-zero initiatives and supporting climate-resilient operations, while also reduce environmental impacts beyond carbon, including on waste, water and biodiversity.National Defence continues to work to achieve net-zero emissions for its military vehicles and operations in compliance with whole of government strategies such as the Greening Government Strategy, the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. This will allow us to build on the significant progress that has been made to date. Indeed, as noted in the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s Report on the Greening Government Strategy, National Defence has reduced its emissions by 38% relative to the 2005 baseline, and is on track to reach 40% reduction by 2025, in line with our Defence Energy and Environment Strategy.The Defence Energy and Environment Strategy outlines the Department’s targets towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for its real property, commercial light-duty fleets, and its National Safety and Security operations fleet which include Canadian Armed Forces aircraft, marine vessels, and tactical land vehicles.Through the strategy, National Defence committed to the following targets:
  • Reducing GHG emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2025 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes reaching net-zero emissions from National Safety and Security fleet sources by 2050.
  • Developing a strategy for aviation fuels that supports the Government of Canada’s goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050;
  • Completing baseline energy and fuel usage evaluations for select marine vessels by 2023; and
  • Achieving an energy efficiency of 85% for fossil-fuel electrical generation and distribution utilities in major deployed camps by 2023.
National Defence also committed to make every effort to consider environmental and energy implications of its purchase decisions, operations, and asset management.More work needs to be done to attain a net zero portfolio by 2050. That is why National Defence is committed to demonstrating leadership in environmental and energy sustainability. National Defence will continue to further improve our greening efforts in support of federal targets and will continue to make strong progress and contribute to bold climate action.
Department of National DefenceFighter aircraftGovernment contractsGreen economyGreenhouse gases
44th Parliament223Government response tabledApril 1, 2022441-00196441-00196 (Environment)Hon.MichaelChongWellington—Halton HillsConservativeONFebruary 16, 2022April 1, 2022December 10, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS: On June 17, 2019, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion declaring a national climate emergency;Canada ranks in the top 10 of the world's historic greenhouse gas emitters as well as on a per capita basis;The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Working report (August 9, 2021) was declared by the UN Secretary-General as 'Code Red For Humanity', and the IPCC has warned we have less than a decade to cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% to have a 50-50 chance of keeping global warming below 1.5°C;The World Health Organization has made a desperate plea to world leaders ahead of COP 26 to phase out fossil fuels to help save millions of lives around the globe; andThe consequences of climate change are already affecting Canadians, either directly through climate disasters such as the recent BC heat dome and Western wildfires, or indirectly through climate-related risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth.Therefore, your petitioners request that all parties in Parliament urgently work together within the first 100 days of the new session to:Commit to Canada's fair share of cutting at least 60 per cent of domestic emissions from 2005 levels by 2030; Establish a concrete plan to end fossil fuel subsidies and stop all new fossil fuel expansions; andRestart the Just Transition consultation and pass this legislation as soon as possible.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is working with partners across the country to build a clean economy that supports a just transition and provides sustainable jobs to people and communities in every province and territory.  This conversation cannot be held in isolation and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all regions and sectors. It requires the participation, know-how, and innovative ideas of all Canadians and partners. The Government of Canada remains committed to moving forward with legislation and comprehensive action to support workers and communities as we transition to a low-carbon economy.  In July 2021, Natural Resources Canada launched public consultations to develop Just Transition legislation.  Public consultations are back underway with a broad range of stakeholders including labour organizations, industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, youth, and experts in skills, training, and diversity and inclusion. These virtual consultations are in addition to meetings with provinces, territories and Indigenous organizations. A “what we heard” report will follow and will guide the proposed legislation.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOver the past six years, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. Canada invested more than $100 billion to address climate change since 2015.Canada established two significant climate plans: the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the 2020 strengthened climate plan entitled A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy with over 60 new federal measures. The strengthened climate plan is informed by more than four years of engagement with Indigenous peoples through distinction-based, senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change. Thanks to these measures, along with strengthened alignment with the United States, Canada is on a path to achieving significant emissions reduction by 2030.In July, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels. Under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a transparent and legally-binding process to guide implementation.To further illustrate our commitment, at the Conference of the Parties (COP26) Canada announced new measure
  • A commitment to cap Canada’s oil and gas emissions at the pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050;
  • Working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders so that Canada’s electricity grid achieves net-zero emissions by 2035;
  • Working toward ending exports of thermal coal by no later than 2030; and,
  • Signing onto the Global Methane Pledge, as well as pledging to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030.
Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.                                    
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIn 2009, Canada and other G20 members committed to “rationalize and phase out over the medium term inefficient fossil fuel subsidies while providing targeted support for the poorest”. At the 2016 North American Leaders’ Summit, Canada, the United States, and Mexico reaffirmed this commitment by agreeing to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. Most recently, the Government advanced this commitment from 2025 to 2023.The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change are working together to identify and phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Canada has already taken significant actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax measures providing preferential tax treatment to the fossil fuel sector.In June 2018, Canada committed to undergo a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process. Canada’s peer review reports will be made public at the end of the process. Peer reviews of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies can increase transparency, encourage international dialogue, and help develop best practices while moving toward a low-carbon economy.
Fossil fuelsGreen economyGreenhouse gases