Environmental Sustainability
#10Key Findings
Canada falls into the upper-middle ranks internationally (rank 10) in the category of environmental sustainability.
Climate neutrality is a key focus, especially following recent widespread fires and flooding. The government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Clean technologies are gaining in importance, with federal budgets increasingly providing funding for innovation in this sector. Coal is being phased out. However, the state has provided strong support for pipelines carrying oil for export.
Canada’s environmental protection regime includes laws, regulations and action plans at both the federal and provincial levels, alongside an extensive park and wilderness system. Many ecosystem-specific plans exist, and the state works with Indigenous and territorial governments on conservation initiatives.
Climate neutrality is a key focus, especially following recent widespread fires and flooding. The government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Clean technologies are gaining in importance, with federal budgets increasingly providing funding for innovation in this sector. Coal is being phased out. However, the state has provided strong support for pipelines carrying oil for export.
Canada’s environmental protection regime includes laws, regulations and action plans at both the federal and provincial levels, alongside an extensive park and wilderness system. Many ecosystem-specific plans exist, and the state works with Indigenous and territorial governments on conservation initiatives.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
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9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
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7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
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3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
There is considerable rhetoric from Canadian governments about climate neutrality. Climate change has become a priority for the Liberal government, especially with widespread fires and flooding in Canada during 2021 – 23. Coastal regions often bear the brunt of these impacts. Moreover, Canada faces increasing risks from climate change, affecting Indigenous and Northern communities, human health, physical infrastructure, ecosystems, and fisheries.
Since taking office in 2015, the Liberal government’s environmental record has been mixed. On climate change, the government ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 and has since established a new national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, it has set a legally binding target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change is a collaborative effort to ensure the target is met through carbon pricing, investments in energy efficiency, and renewable energy strategies.
Successive federal budgets have also provided funding for clean technologies, with clean tech becoming an important new hub for investment and innovation. More recently, Canada signed on to the Glasgow Climate Pact, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, more recently, to begin phasing out coal.
However, these industries and renewable energy policies are largely the responsibility of the provinces. While several provinces have made efforts to address climate change, others have not, and Alberta and Saskatchewan have actively opposed these efforts.
As a result, a recent report by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development found that emissions have continued to increase and, since 1990, have grown by 20%.
Moreover, following investor uncertainty, the government nationalized the highly controversial Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion at a cost of CAD 4.5 billion, bringing Alberta heavy oil to West Coast ports for export. This project was tied to the passage of bills C-48 – a moratorium on large oil tankers accessing ports on British Columbia’s north coast – and C-55, which establishes a network of protected marine areas and prohibits certain activities in these areas were largely seen as insincere, however, and the pipeline decision raised serious questions about the Trudeau government’s commitment to fighting climate change and protecting Indigenous rights.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/pan-canadian-framework.html
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-glasgow-climate-pact-key-outcomes-from-cop26
Since taking office in 2015, the Liberal government’s environmental record has been mixed. On climate change, the government ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 and has since established a new national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, it has set a legally binding target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change is a collaborative effort to ensure the target is met through carbon pricing, investments in energy efficiency, and renewable energy strategies.
Successive federal budgets have also provided funding for clean technologies, with clean tech becoming an important new hub for investment and innovation. More recently, Canada signed on to the Glasgow Climate Pact, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, more recently, to begin phasing out coal.
However, these industries and renewable energy policies are largely the responsibility of the provinces. While several provinces have made efforts to address climate change, others have not, and Alberta and Saskatchewan have actively opposed these efforts.
As a result, a recent report by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development found that emissions have continued to increase and, since 1990, have grown by 20%.
Moreover, following investor uncertainty, the government nationalized the highly controversial Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion at a cost of CAD 4.5 billion, bringing Alberta heavy oil to West Coast ports for export. This project was tied to the passage of bills C-48 – a moratorium on large oil tankers accessing ports on British Columbia’s north coast – and C-55, which establishes a network of protected marine areas and prohibits certain activities in these areas were largely seen as insincere, however, and the pipeline decision raised serious questions about the Trudeau government’s commitment to fighting climate change and protecting Indigenous rights.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/pan-canadian-framework.html
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-glasgow-climate-pact-key-outcomes-from-cop26
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
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9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
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6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Canada has an extensive environmental protection and management regime. The overall environmental policies and strategies are shaped by various laws, regulations, and frameworks passed at the federal level, as well as some at the provincial level, since 1960. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change is one such initiative. It outlines the country’s approach to addressing environmental challenges, including pollution. The framework emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing clean technology, and adopting sustainable practices.
Another key piece of federal legislation is the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This act addresses pollution and its effects on human health and the environment. It provides the government with tools to assess and manage risks associated with chemical substances and other pollutants.
Canada has policies and regulations specifically targeting terrestrial and water quality, including the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. Provincial and territorial governments also play a significant role in managing water quality within their jurisdictions. The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the federal government, along with provincial regulations, address air quality issues. Provincial and territorial governments have their own air quality management strategies and regulations. Coordination is enhanced through a Canadian council of environmental ministers.
In addition to national and provincial/territorial laws and guidelines, there are also many ecosystem-specific action plans. These include the Great Lakes Action Plan, where Canada has initiatives to address environmental issues in the Great Lakes, focusing on water quality, habitat restoration, and pollution prevention. The St. Lawrence Action Plan aims to protect and restore the St. Lawrence River ecosystem and includes measures to address pollution, biodiversity, and sustainable development. In the past, Arctic Environmental Strategies were implemented to address the unique environmental challenges in the Arctic, such as contaminants, climate change, and ecosystem conservation in the region.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/pan-canadian-framework.html
https://ccme.ca/en/current-activities/canadian-environmental-quality-guidelines
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/great-lakes-protection/overview/action-plan.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/ecosystem-initiatives/st-lawrence-action-plan.html
Another key piece of federal legislation is the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This act addresses pollution and its effects on human health and the environment. It provides the government with tools to assess and manage risks associated with chemical substances and other pollutants.
Canada has policies and regulations specifically targeting terrestrial and water quality, including the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. Provincial and territorial governments also play a significant role in managing water quality within their jurisdictions. The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the federal government, along with provincial regulations, address air quality issues. Provincial and territorial governments have their own air quality management strategies and regulations. Coordination is enhanced through a Canadian council of environmental ministers.
In addition to national and provincial/territorial laws and guidelines, there are also many ecosystem-specific action plans. These include the Great Lakes Action Plan, where Canada has initiatives to address environmental issues in the Great Lakes, focusing on water quality, habitat restoration, and pollution prevention. The St. Lawrence Action Plan aims to protect and restore the St. Lawrence River ecosystem and includes measures to address pollution, biodiversity, and sustainable development. In the past, Arctic Environmental Strategies were implemented to address the unique environmental challenges in the Arctic, such as contaminants, climate change, and ecosystem conservation in the region.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/pan-canadian-framework.html
https://ccme.ca/en/current-activities/canadian-environmental-quality-guidelines
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/great-lakes-protection/overview/action-plan.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/ecosystem-initiatives/st-lawrence-action-plan.html
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How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
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The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
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The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
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3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Canada has an extensive park and wilderness system at both the federal and provincial levels, as well as many local and regional land and marine parks, some of which are very large or protect key habitats and fisheries.
In the wake of the UN Brundtland Commission in the late 1980s, the Chretien government made efforts in the early 1990s to establish and expand protected areas, national parks, and marine conservation areas to safeguard key ecosystems and habitats, aiming to meet UN goals in this area. During this time, Canada also enacted legislation such as the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to protect and recover species at risk. This includes the identification of critical habitats and the development of recovery plans (Shepherd et al. 2022).
Canada has developed biodiversity strategies and action plans, such as the 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and the Canadian Biodiversity Action Plan (2022), to guide conservation efforts and address threats to biodiversity.
Canada is also a party to many international agreements and conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and has made commitments to global biodiversity targets associated with these agreements.
Investments in scientific research and monitoring help assess the state of biodiversity, identify threats and inform evidence-based conservation policies.
The government supports stewardship programs and partnerships that engage communities, private landowners, and organizations in biodiversity conservation efforts. Many of these plans involve working with provincial and local governments; they also recognize the importance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship in many areas of the country, including the Arctic. The Canadian government collaborates with Indigenous and territorial governments to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into conservation initiatives.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/national-biodiversity-strategy.html
Shepherd, Robert P., Diane Simsovic, and Allan Latourelle. 2022. “Managing Canada’s National Parks: Integrating Sustainability, Protection and Enjoyment.” In Policy Success in Canada: Cases, Lessons, Challenges, eds. Evert Lindquist, Michael Howlett, Grace Skogstad, Geneviève Tellier, and Paul t’ Hart. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192897046.003.0023
In the wake of the UN Brundtland Commission in the late 1980s, the Chretien government made efforts in the early 1990s to establish and expand protected areas, national parks, and marine conservation areas to safeguard key ecosystems and habitats, aiming to meet UN goals in this area. During this time, Canada also enacted legislation such as the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to protect and recover species at risk. This includes the identification of critical habitats and the development of recovery plans (Shepherd et al. 2022).
Canada has developed biodiversity strategies and action plans, such as the 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and the Canadian Biodiversity Action Plan (2022), to guide conservation efforts and address threats to biodiversity.
Canada is also a party to many international agreements and conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and has made commitments to global biodiversity targets associated with these agreements.
Investments in scientific research and monitoring help assess the state of biodiversity, identify threats and inform evidence-based conservation policies.
The government supports stewardship programs and partnerships that engage communities, private landowners, and organizations in biodiversity conservation efforts. Many of these plans involve working with provincial and local governments; they also recognize the importance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship in many areas of the country, including the Arctic. The Canadian government collaborates with Indigenous and territorial governments to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into conservation initiatives.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/national-biodiversity-strategy.html
Shepherd, Robert P., Diane Simsovic, and Allan Latourelle. 2022. “Managing Canada’s National Parks: Integrating Sustainability, Protection and Enjoyment.” In Policy Success in Canada: Cases, Lessons, Challenges, eds. Evert Lindquist, Michael Howlett, Grace Skogstad, Geneviève Tellier, and Paul t’ Hart. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192897046.003.0023
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To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
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9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
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7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
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3
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3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
The Canadian government supports sustainable development, but Canada is also a major exporter of dirty oil (tar sands) and forestry and other natural resources. The production, sale, and distribution of these unsustainable products are facilitated by numerous federal and provincial policies, subsidies, and programs.
Nevertheless, the Canadian government, both in principle and occasionally in practice, supports the design and advancement of various global environmental protection regimes. This includes participation in international treaties to ban ozone-depleting chemicals, protect wetlands and wildlife, and numerous bilateral treaties with the
The United States aims to protect migratory birds and reduce sulfur dioxide and other harmful emissions.
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), signed in November 2018 by Canada, the United States, and Mexico at the instigation of the Trump administration, replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). CUSMA includes a chapter on environmental cooperation with the stated aim to “promote mutually supportive trade and environmental policies and practices.” Although experts criticized CUSMA for being weak on environmental protection – particularly because it does not directly address climate change – the new agreement no longer includes NAFTA’s investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system. The ISDS system was often used to challenge Canadian environmental decision-making, which many commentators believed had a chilling effect on environmental regulation in Canada.
More recently, at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Canada participated with Germany and Britain in releasing the Climate Finance Delivery Plan, which aims to deliver $100 billion in finance.
Canada has also committed to doubling its contribution to international climate finance to $5.3 billion over the next five years to assist developing countries in combating climate change. However, significant results and expenditures have not yet been achieved.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/canada-international-action/climate-finance/delivery-plan/progress-report-2022.html
Nevertheless, the Canadian government, both in principle and occasionally in practice, supports the design and advancement of various global environmental protection regimes. This includes participation in international treaties to ban ozone-depleting chemicals, protect wetlands and wildlife, and numerous bilateral treaties with the
The United States aims to protect migratory birds and reduce sulfur dioxide and other harmful emissions.
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), signed in November 2018 by Canada, the United States, and Mexico at the instigation of the Trump administration, replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). CUSMA includes a chapter on environmental cooperation with the stated aim to “promote mutually supportive trade and environmental policies and practices.” Although experts criticized CUSMA for being weak on environmental protection – particularly because it does not directly address climate change – the new agreement no longer includes NAFTA’s investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system. The ISDS system was often used to challenge Canadian environmental decision-making, which many commentators believed had a chilling effect on environmental regulation in Canada.
More recently, at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Canada participated with Germany and Britain in releasing the Climate Finance Delivery Plan, which aims to deliver $100 billion in finance.
Canada has also committed to doubling its contribution to international climate finance to $5.3 billion over the next five years to assist developing countries in combating climate change. However, significant results and expenditures have not yet been achieved.
Citations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/canada-international-action/climate-finance/delivery-plan/progress-report-2022.html