Climate Action Network Canada reacts to the Canadian government’s announcement of the Just Transition task force

February 16, 2018

We welcome today’s release from the Government of Canada outlining terms of reference for the Task Force on Just Transition for Canadian coal power workers and communities. The launch of this Task Force is a testament to the dedicated efforts of Canadian unions and coal workers who have been calling for it since 2016.

CAN-Rac is committed to working with its members and allies in the labour movement to ensure that climate action in Canada is strongly grounded in principles of just transition, recognizing the needs of Indigenous communities, workers, and communities from coast to coast to coast. We are hopeful that an inclusive, gender-balanced Just Transition Task Force that is representative of workers, Indigenous communities and civil society, will be charged with fulfilling a timely and responsive mandate.

Once substantive progress is made on its initial attention to coal phase-out, we expect the mandate of the Task Force to evolve toward supporting a just transition out of other high emitting sectors and into the clean energy economy.

Canada’s plan to phase out coal and regulate emissions from natural gas facilities are enabling steps that will unlock new opportunities to enhance climate ambition, as cleaning up our electricity system is the first step to electrifying carbon intensive activities. Canada has an opportunity to lead the world in the production of clean electricity and the electrification of its economy. Realizing this opportunity means discouraging the move from coal to natural gas as much as possible, while facilitating the leap to electricity produced from renewable sources.

We look forward to working with our members, allies in the labour movement, and the Canadian government to ensure the success of Canada’s electricity system transformation and Just Transition Task Force.

-30-

CONTACT: Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, CAN-Rac Canada | +1 902 412 8953 catherineabreu@climateactionnetwork.ca

Canada’s primary network of organizations working on climate change and energy issues, CAN-Rac is a coalition of more than 100 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.

Photo from the Canadian Labour Congress