OTTAWA — The Green Party of Canada expresses profound concern over the findings of the 2024 Environment Commissioner’s Report, which reveals critical shortcomings in Canada’s progress toward achieving its 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. With Canada remaining the worst performer for emissions reductions amongst G7 nations, the Green Party calls on the federal government to urgently implement the Commissioner’s recommendations to reverse the trend.
The report highlights that, of 20 emissions reduction measures currently underway, only 9 are on track, while others face considerable delays or barriers. Of 41 past recommendations, only 16 have been implemented, with most still in progress or unaddressed. Canada’s emissions reduction to date stands at just 7.1% from 2005 levels—well below the 40-45% reduction target for 2030.
"Achieving our legally binding Paris targets is impossible without radical shifts in Canada's approach. When I hear Minister Guilbeault protest that even under the proposed emissions cap, oil and gas production will increase by 16%, it is hard not to despair," said Leader Elizabeth May. "We know what needs to be done and it starts with setting a phase-out date for oil sands production. Ending bitumen production by 2030 while rapidly expanding renewable energy is our only option. Had the 2019 Greens' plan, Mission Possible, been implemented, we would be well on our way to full transition. We had proposed that Canada cease importing any foreign oil and use only domestic supplies as we work toward a fossil fuel phase out. But the Liberals were too busy trying to appease Alberta by wasting $34 billion on building the uneconomic Trans Mountain pipeline to heed any advice."
Funding shortfalls and programmatic delays have left Canada far behind, as emissions from 1990 to 2022 have actually increased by 16%.
“The report confirms what climate advocates have been warning for years: the federal government’s climate measures are not only inadequate but also poorly managed,” added MP Mike Morrice. “It’s essential that Canada improve its reliability on emissions reduction estimates and adopt a government-wide approach for evaluating the impact of each measure. Every dollar spent should deliver on promises to reduce emissions and help Canada reach its targets.”
The Green Party urges the federal government to act on the Environment Commissioner’s recommendations immediately, specifically:
- Increasing the reliability of greenhouse gas reduction estimates for each program and ensuring that decisions are based on accurate data.
- Establishing a government-wide framework for evaluating the cost effectiveness of climate measures, publishing clear data on the cost per tonne of carbon reduced for each initiative.
- Collecting and reporting disaggregated data to evaluate program reach, especially in supporting marginalized and underserved communities in accessing climate programs.
Daniel Green, environment and climate change co-critic for the Green Party, emphasized the need for transparency in tracking emissions progress: “Canadians need to see clear milestones and accountability in climate progress—not vague promises. We’re calling for data transparency so that the public can see and trust that the government is actually making strides. Canadians can’t afford our climate plan to be vague and unaccountable, especially as we face escalating climate impacts.”
With only six years left to achieve its targets, Canada’s window for effective climate action is closing. The Green Party of Canada remains steadfast in pushing for accelerated action and accountability to address this critical challenge for future generations.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
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514-463-0021