Dec
09
2020
On November 19, Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathon Wilkinson tabled Bill C-12, An Act respecting transparency and accountability in Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 in the House of Commons. The legislation, if passed, would require the federal government to set a series of 5-year interim emissions reduction targets beginning in 2030 progressing to the ultimate target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
News Stories
- Trudeau unveils new net-zero emissions plan to meet climate change targets (CBC News)
- Liberals legislate 2050 net-zero emissions, but critics say they're delaying action (CTV News/Canadian Press)
Many environmental groups welcomed the legislation as a good first step, but with some significant weaknesses including the lack of a target between now and 2030, and the absence of any penalties for failing to achieve any of the interim targets.
Media Releases
- Canada takes historic steps to enshrine responsibility to act on climate into law (Pembina Institute)
- Federal climate bill is significant first step on the path to net-zero (Ecojustice)
Opinion & Analysis
- New federal climate bill unlikely to solve Canada's greenhouse gas reduction problem - here's why (CBC News Opinion)
- Does Trudeau’s net-zero emissions legislation go far enough? Here’s what you need to know (The Narwhal)
- A strong climate law for Canada – Answers to your questions about Bill C-12 (Ecojustice)
- Ottawa Fails on Climate Legislation. Again (The Tyee)
- Bill C-12, Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act: A Preliminary Review (ABlawg.ca)
- High-Level Recommendations for Bill C-12, the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Climate Action Network Canada)
- Accountability on climate change…but not yet (Environmental Defence)
Updated: December 9, 2020