Climate Action Network Canada urges incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney to defend Canadians from climate and economic threats

Unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin Territories [OTTAWA], 10 March 2025:

Today, Climate Action Network Canada sent the following letter to newly elected Liberal Leader Mark Carney:

Dear Prime minister-designate Carney,

On behalf of Climate Action Network Canada, I congratulate you on your election as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Climate Action Network Canada is the country’s largest network of organizations working on climate and energy issues. We bring together over 180 members from coast to coast to coast, including environmental groups; First Nations; social justice, development, health and youth organizations; faith groups; and local, grassroots initiatives. We have the privilege of representing our members both in national policy-making processes as well as international climate and economic diplomacy fora. Over the past decade, we have worked closely with the Canadian government—and across party lines—to build strong climate policy that puts people first, and we look forward to continuing this work together under your leadership.

In the face of Trump’s trade war, Canada is at a crossroads. We are facing economic uncertainty, crumbling multilateralism, and escalating climate impacts. The last few weeks have seen a rise in speculation around reviving long-shelved proposals for oil and gas pipelines, but we urge you not to forget that these projects would bring no relief in the short term, and would only become stranded assets in the long term—while distracting us from the possibilities of clean, renewable energy independence.

We encourage you to build on the legacy of Prime Minister Trudeau in making climate action a central part of your agenda. The past ten years have seen groundbreaking progress on climate policy, but it has been hampered by the political influence of the fossil fuel industry, and more must be done to meet the scale and urgency of the threats we’re facing. As you mentioned in your victory speech, markets do not adequately center people’s needs. It is clear, in 2025, that industry-led and market-based approaches are not enough: we need the government to intervene to shape markets and support people.

Climate action is important to Canadians: polling from Leger shows that seven in ten Canadians want their next federal government to do more to address climate change. Environment and Climate Change Canada, under the leadership of Minister Guilbeault, has been working hard to finalize crucial policies—notably methane regulations, the cap on oil and gas pollution, and the post-2026 international climate finance commitment. As a first order of business, we call on you to bring them over the finish line ahead of the upcoming election.

In your victory speech, you said: “New threats demand new ideas, and a new plan.” We agree. The climate crisis is expected to have even worse economic impacts than the tariffs, and must be addressed without further delay. Your government can and must implement economic policy solutions that defend Canadians from both the unjust tariffs and climate impacts.

We would appreciate a meeting, at your earliest convenience, to discuss the priorities and ideas of civil society, and how we can work together to meet this moment.

Again, congratulations on your election. The challenges confronting Canada right now are unprecedented, but so are the opportunities at hand for your government to build a stronger, safer, and more resilient country.

Best regards,

Caroline Brouillette
Executive Director
Climate Action Network Canada

Climate Action Network Canada also thanks outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his accomplishments on climate action over his time in government.

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