Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change first annual report: introduction

One year ago, Canada’s First Ministers committed to take further action on climate change by adopting the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The Pan-Canadian Framework recognizes the significant costs and risks associated with climate change – risks to the environment, as well as to the health, security, and future prosperity of Canadians. It also positions Canada to take advantage of the significant clean growth opportunities associated with taking action on climate change.

The Pan-Canadian Framework is built on four pillars: pricing carbon pollution, complementary actions to reduce emissions across the economy, adaptation and climate resilience, and clean technology, innovation, and jobs.

Over the past year, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have worked together, as well as with Indigenous Peoples, to start implementing the measures in the Pan-Canadian Framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, build resilience to the changing climate, and enable sustainable economic growth. These actions will help Canada meet or exceed its 2030 climate change target of a 30% reduction below 2005 GHG emission levels.

In the launch of the Pan-Canadian Framework, First Ministers directed federal, provincial, and territorial governments to report annually to Canadians and First Ministers on progress achieved in order to enable governments to take stock and give direction to sustain and enhance efforts over time.

This first annual synthesis report summarizes progress made over the past year by federal, provincial, and territorial governments in implementing new actions across the four pillars of the Pan-Canadian Framework.

The structure of this report follows that of the Pan-Canadian Framework and provides:

• A high-level overview of progress on each of the four pillars of the Pan-Canadian Framework, including early actions underway and key overall accomplishments to date; 
• An overview of the status of reporting and oversight mechanisms and an update on ongoing efforts to improve emissions inventories, projections, and reporting;
• Highlights of expected actions and areas of work for the year ahead; and
• An annex listing actions undertaken in the last year or currently underway across governments.