Climate Action Network Canada Response to Speech from the Throne

“After 4 years of building a solid foundation for  climate action in Canada this government has many of the right pieces on the table. Yet with today’s speech from the throne it’s clear they still have work to do putting the puzzle together. Getting to net zero by 2050 is going to take measurable, near-term goals, a stronger interim 2030 target, and accountability mechanisms to keep Canada on track. It’s also going to take a real plan to diversify Canada’s economy away from high-emitting sectors like oil and gas while generating good, green jobs. That means redirecting government dollars away from fossil fuel subsidies and toward climate solutions. We did not hear about these elements today.

Today’s promises were important. We need the federal government to provide more support for energy efficient homes, zero emissions vehicles, and clean, affordable energy. We need government to invest in sustainable businesses, to provide money to people displaced by disasters, to reduce plastic pollution and commit to nature-based solutions. But all of these efforts must add up to a bigger picture, and we haven’t seen that bigger picture yet.”

Executive Director Catherine Abreu