Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan - Annex 1

British Columbia

Cooperative agreements

Key actions

Implementation of CleanBC has been underway since 2018. The following section outlines actions that are ongoing or that have been completed.

Released in fall 2021, B.C. action on climate is also guided by the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.

Economy-wide
Transportation
Buildings and communities
Waste
Industry
Forestry and agriculture

For more information on progress to date in meeting targets please review the Climate Change Accountability Reports.

Planned actions for 2030

In November 2021, B.C. released the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 (the Roadmap) which outlines further actions that B.C. will take to meet their 2030 target.

The following sections are organized according to the Roadmap pathways.

Economy wide
Low carbon energy
Transportation
Buildings
Communities
Industry, including oil and gas
Forest bioeconomy
Agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries
Negative emissions technology (NETs)
CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 government leadership measures include

The Accountability framework under the Climate Change Accountability Act requires annual reporting and establishes the Climate Solutions Council. The Council provides strategic advice to government on climate action and clean economic growth. It includes members from First Nations, environmental organizations, industry, academia, youth, labour and local government.

Planned actions for 2050

Measures under the Roadmap will move B.C. towards 2040 and 2050 targets. The Roadmap is a foundational document.

B.C.'s commitment to a net-zero future will be backed by legislation, which is a mandate commitment for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

Alberta

Cooperative agreements

Methane emissions mitigation in the oil and gas sector
Carbon offset memorandum of understanding

Key actions

Built environment
Electricity
Industry
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste

Planned actions for 2030

See notes and comments above (under Key actions).

Planned actions for 2050

See notes and comments above (under Key actions).

Saskatchewan

Cooperative measures or agreements

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy necessitates a collaborative approach with the provinces and territories, as well as significant additional investment in shared priorities, plans and actions. Provinces and territories are best positioned to determine emissions reductions policies and pathways for their respective jurisdictions, but require enhanced federal investment to help Canada achieve its ambitious emission reduction targets.

Cooperative measures and agreements must take into account regional differences, such as existing energy profiles and accessibility to zero-emission energy sources, and recognize that each jurisdiction has a different starting point on the pathway to net-zero emissions. Recognizing and accounting for these differences can avoid intensifying inequalities between people and communities across the country. Collaborative development of programs and policies can help prevent the creation of barriers that could otherwise limit long-term investments in innovation.

The lead role played by the Government of Canada in 'Article 6' negotiations – supported by provinces and territories, including Saskatchewan – is a good example of federal-provincial-territorial cooperation. As part of continued international negotiations on Article 6 and in future domestic policy design, we encourage the federal government to recognize emissions avoidance, such as uranium exports, agricultural technologies and carbon capture, as legitimate actions to generate international offset credits and authorize recognition of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes in domestic federal regulatory programs.

We encourage Canada to engage in meaningful dialogue on climate policy and regional differences at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment as our collective forum for intergovernmental cooperation.

Key actions

Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy, released in 2017, is founded on the concept of resilience: the ability to cope with, adapt to and recover from stress and change. The strategy takes a system-wide approach and includes more than 40 commitments designed to make Saskatchewan more resilient to climate change effects. The commitments go beyond emissions reductions alone, spanning Saskatchewan's natural systems and resources; infrastructure for electricity, transportation, homes and building; and community preparedness.

Industry, including oil and gas

As part of engagement, the province has sought input on developing a robust GHG management framework and regulatory regime for industrial emitters to reduce their emissions intensity, including emissions from electricity and methane.

Through provincial regulation, the province continues to establish flexible compliance options for industrial emitters who do not meet output-based performance standards (OBPS) and mandatory emissions reductions for venting and flaring under the province's Methane Action Plan. Under the provincial OBPS program, the government regulates industrial emissions for 68 large facilities and 54 aggregates, comprising 12,210 small oil and gas facilities, representing annual emissions of more than ten megatonnes (Mt) CO2e. In 2020, methane emissions from vented and flared gas at upstream oil facilities in Saskatchewan totaled 5.2 Mt of CO2e, representing a 5.7 Mt CO2e reduction, nearly 50%, from 2015 levels of 10.9 Mt.

Planned actions for 2030

Under the provincial OBPS program, Saskatchewan continues to develop options for regulated emitters to satisfy the 2023 to 2030 federal benchmark. This includes a Saskatchewan Technology Fund that will invest in transformative technologies and innovation to reduce GHG emissions and a performance credit system to encourage regulated emitters to earn credits for exceeding their performance standard.

Saskatchewan is preparing to submit a carbon pricing benchmark proposal that meets or exceeds national requirements, based on empirical evidence and detailed and extensive provincial and company-level data and modeling.

Saskatchewan supports the continued development of international GHG offset markets to reduce global emissions and provide an avenue for Saskatchewan farmers and industry to receive value for their innovative emissions-reducing practices and technologies. Local benefits of international carbon markets will depend on the federal government authorizing the use of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes, particularly as parties set more ambitious emissions targets under the Paris Agreement.

Saskatchewan people and industries are among the most innovative in the world and need to be supported to adapt and thrive in increasingly sustainable ways. If given the opportunity, Saskatchewan has a tremendous potential for job growth when considering the future global demand for food, energy, and critical minerals. Ensuring consultations with provinces and timely allocation of the federally announced $2 billion Futures Fund for Saskatchewan, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador will be integral to the success of this initiative.

A just transition means that all Canadians are supported to succeed in the low-carbon economy. However, the effects of the transition to a low-carbon economy will disproportionately affect Saskatchewan given the prevalence of hard-to-abate sectors. It is therefore unrealistic to believe that all displaced workers can be retrained to work in 'green' jobs. In Saskatchewan's case, the federal government must support existing growth sectors to effectively transition, and to provide workers who are unfortunately displaced, with flexible compensation that can be used for training, relocation, pension-bridging and self-employment opportunities.

In Saskatchewan, provincial actors are already taking significant actions to address climate change. For example:

Planned actions for 2050

Saskatchewan is making significant investments in renewable energy. The Saskatchewan Growth Plan commits the province to exploring the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply safe and reliable zero-emissions baseload power. Deploying 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power from SMRs in Saskatchewan between 2034 and 2042 will help achieve net-zero emissions in the provincial electrical grid and support further expansion of renewables and clean electrification of energy uses across the province. Saskatchewan would appreciate that the federal government reconsider eligibility criteria for the Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator Initiative, to include projects that will contribute to emission reductions beyond 2030.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has indicated that carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) must be part of the solution in meeting the Paris Agreement target to limit global warming to 1.5C. Saskatchewan released a CCUS strategy that will help the province to grow and prosper, while significantly reducing emissions in the mining and oil and gas sectors, as well as other large industrial facilities. This strategy builds on more than 35 years of Saskatchewan leadership in CCUS and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Over that time, EOR projects have emitted 82% fewer emissions than traditional extraction methods and have sequestered more than 40 million tonnes of CO2. Saskatchewan requests the federal government supports the development of CCUS infrastructure hubs and accelerates introduction of an investment tax credit for capital invested in CCUS projects, including the principle of non-discrimination against an entire carbon capture project because it has an EOR component as the primary or secondary injection site.

The April 2021 federal budget specifically recognized CCUS infrastructure hubs in Saskatchewan as a significant opportunity to scale economically efficient carbon capture, processing, compression and transport in areas with clusters of large emitters. Provincial CCUS infrastructure hubs anchored by Saskatchewan's major oil producing, upgrading and refining assets can be the catalyst to build carbon capture at nearby mines, agri-processing, fertilizer and manufacturing facilities as well as serve as vital infrastructure at scale to help launch regional blue hydrogen production hubs in the future for domestic decarbonization uses in several key sectors and the potential to export.

Additionally, federal investment could support innovative methane capture and commercialization projects to convert methane into useable energy. Saskatchewan has a small natural gas sector and low pressure wells; this means a unique approach to methane conservation is needed in Saskatchewan. A great example is the first-of-its-kind methane conservation project led by Flying Dust First Nation using a compressed natural gas virtual pipeline to bring previously vented and flared methane to a new power generation facility.

As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise, there are numerous promising essential mineral developments in Saskatchewan that will contribute to the global low carbon future and Canada's net-zero economy. The Government of Saskatchewan is funding construction of Canada's first rare earth processing facility, to be owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Research Council. In addition, the Government of Saskatchewan recently released the Helium Action Plan: From Exploration to Exports, to support the helium value chain to become a world leader in low-emission helium production and exports over the next decade. Saskatchewan is also exploring opportunities for commercial testing of lithium extraction and processing.

Saskatchewan would welcome further discussions with the federal government on how the province's resource base can support sustainable, environmentally-responsible growth and the net-zero economy.

Manitoba

Cooperative agreements

Key actions

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture, and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2030

Built environment
Electricity
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture, and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2050

Manitoba continues to develop a comprehensive GHG model that will support specific and strategic analytical needs, including projections outward to 2050.

Manitoba has invested billions of dollars in clean electricity, which is foundational to our low-carbon future and supports Canada's net-zero objectives.

Manitoba's clean electricity exports reduce global emissions by approximately 7 Mt/CO2e annually, equivalent to approximately one-third of Manitoba's total annual provincial GHG emissions.

Manitoba is well-positioned to contribute to Canada's target of a net-zero-emissions grid by 2035.

The province is planning to adopt RETScreen to benchmark performance of public sector buildings, monitor building performance, and establish performance targets for new projects.

Ontario

Cooperative agreements

Key actions

Ontario is undertaking many climate change actions. Some examples of key actions are noted.

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2030

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including other fuels
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-Wide

Planned actions for 2050

Many of the policies, actions and investments highlighted above will continue to have an impact out to 2050. For example, Ontario's investments in public transit will ensure low-carbon mass transit is available for generations to come. Ontario is supporting industries to make transformative investments that put them on a path to net zero emissions and to produce the products that will be in demand as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy. Ontario's low-carbon hydrogen strategy, once in place, will leverage Ontario's low-carbon electricity grid and will position Ontario to be a leader in clean fuel alternatives in decades to come.

Ontario is prepared to achieve further emissions reductions contingent on increased federal support for provincial priorities.

Québec

Cooperative Agreements

The main existing cooperative agreements with respect to climate change between Québec and Canada are the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Integrated Bilateral Agreement (for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program). Québec remains open to new collaboration opportunities with the federal government that would complement or improve measures included in the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.

Key Actions

The main pillars of the province's strategy against climate change are Québec's cap-and-trade system for GHGs and the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy (PGE), Québec's climate road map (policy framework) for this decade. Launched in November 2020, the 2030 PGE will be implemented through five-year plans that will be reviewed annually with regard to the results achieved in terms of climate transition, particularly in terms of reducing GHG emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. 

Electrification of the transportation sector and the development of the battery industry are an important focus of the PGE. For instance, Québec announced a ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles starting in 2035 while also increasing public transit investment, particularly in electric buses. To decarbonize its industrial sector, Québec intends to increase its investments in biofuels and renewable energy. Quebec is also planning a structured adaptation approach, focusing on prevention and taking into account the future climate, by targeting the major risks that Quebec faces, including flooding, erosion, coastal submersion and landslides, extreme heat, heavy rainfall and melting permafrost. The climate transition is a collective responsibility and Quebec will ensure the continued mobilization of citizens, municipalities and businesses who play a key role.

Mesures prévues d'ici 2030

In order to achieve its GHG reduction target of 37.5% below 1990 levels by 2030, the first implementation plan of the 2030 PGE, covering the first five years (2021-2026), allocates $6.7 billion, toward actions such as:

More information on detailed actions is available (in French only) here: Plan pour une économie verte 2030 - Plan de mise en œuvre 2021-2026.

Recently (December 2021), Quebec also banned oil heating in all new construction projects and encouraged residents to switch to more efficient electric home heating options.

In addition, at COP26, Quebec announced that it would not authorize any future fossil fuel exploration/extraction projects and plans to introduce legislation to end fossil fuel development this year.

Mesures prévues d'ici 2050

In 2020, Québec committed to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. A climate change advisory committee, established as part of a review of climate governance in Québec, will also support the Minister in identifying effective measures to strengthen Québec's climate actions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. For more information, please consult: Plan pour une économie verte 2030 - Plus de 1,131 G$ seront consacrés à la lutte contre les changements climatiques en 202I-2022 et Québec annonce la composition du Comité consultatif (Available in French only.).

New Brunswick

Cooperative agreements

New Brunswick has numerous and various cooperative measures and agreements with the Government of Canada that directly or indirectly lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. First and foremost is the foundational Pan Canadian Framework on Climate Change and Clean Growth, which New Brunswick signed in 2016. Some of the other cooperative measures and agreements include:

Likewise, New Brunswick intends to pursue other measures and agreements with the Government of Canada that would leverage provincial actions and allow New Brunswick and its citizens to equitably do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key actions

New Brunswick is currently completing the implementation of its 2016 Climate Change Action Plan, a five-year action plan which contains 118 actions. We are committed to completing 75% of the actions by the end of March 2022. The published 2021 Progress Report provides an update on progress in implementing the plan and the Final Progress Report is expected in the Spring of 2022. More information about New Brunswick's progress in Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy can be found here: Climate Change - Environment and Local Government

The implementation of this action plan is projected to yield up to 3 Mt of GHG emission reductions and avoidances by 2030.

Some highlights of progress to date are as follows:

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2030

New Brunswick is in the process of renewing its Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) to accelerate our transition to a low carbon economy, with a new plan expected to be released in late Spring 2022. The renewed 5-year plan is expected to support the continuation of actions that are already underway, as per the current CCAP (and as described above) and will also include specific, incremental, new measures to support meeting our 2030 and 2050 legislated targets. The plan will be informed through 2 engagement processes: i) hearings from experts to the Standing Committee of the Legislature on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship as well as ii) written submissions by New Brunswickers.

While the plan has not been finalized, some of the potential areas of incremental action may include:

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2050

New Brunswick's new/renewed CCAP will support the continuation of actions that are currently underway and will include new, incremental actions to ensure we meet/exceed our 2030 target as well as consideration for those transformative actions that will be required to meet targets for 2050. The renewed plan may include a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Any commitment to net-zero by 2050 will need to consider a number of incremental actions, including but not limited to:

Nova Scotia

Cooperative agreements

In October 2021, the Council of Atlantic Premiers sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau requesting federal support to accelerate the Atlantic Loop. This includes investments in electricity transmission upgrades, in renewable energy, and storage to support the region's transition to clean energy and away from coal. Federal support for this project is crucial to ensure Atlantic Canadians, who already experience some of the highest rates of energy poverty in Canada, are not disproportionately impacted by the transition to a cleaner energy sector.

Nova Scotia would also like to see an affirmation of federal support and swift roll-out of the federal government's commitment to spend $250-million on transitioning low-income housing off oil heating. This will make a substantive difference to Nova Scotians, helping to reduce energy poverty and emissions.

There is strong alignment between Nova Scotia and the federal Greener Homes Initiative, through the existing provincial initiatives delivered through Efficiency One. Nova Scotia would like to see greater alignment of provincial renewable energy procurement activities with NRCan's Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program. When coordinated, these activities have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, result economic activity and provide socio-economic benefits to communities in Nova Scotia.

The existing agreement between Nova Scotia and the federal government for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) and the Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) sub-stream of this program have enabled important investments in the province that will reduce GHG emissions in Nova Scotia's largest emitting sectors – electricity (41%), transportation (35%), and buildings (11%).

Key actions

Nova Scotia's new Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act (EGCCRA) includes the strongest 2030 target for greenhouse gas reduction, and commitments to increase renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle adoption while also conserving at least 20% of our total land and water mass.

Built environment

EGCCRA includes new goals to: "support, strengthen and set targets for energy efficiency programming while prioritizing equitable access and benefits for low income and marginalized Nova Scotians" and "adopt the 2020 National Energy Code for Buildings within 18 months of it being published by the Government of Canada." The Government of Nova Scotia is also investing heavily in energy efficiency programing, with a particular focus on cutting energy bills for low-income Nova Scotians.

Nova Scotia also set the following goals for the provincial government to lead by example in the buildings sector:

Electricity

EGCCRA includes new goals to:

The commitment for 80% by 2030 renewable electricity standard has already been included as a requirement of the Renewable Electricity Regulations under the Electricity Act.

These commitments build on Nova Scotia's record in investing in a significant transformation of its coal-fired electricity grid to cleaner sources and nationally recognized demand-side management. The Government of Nova Scotia is also investing in incentives to encourage solar energy for homes and communities (for example, SolarHomes program), and facilitating the development of new local wind capacity for the grid.

Transportation

EGCCRA commits Nova Scotia to:

Nova Scotia also continues to invest in programs such as the electric vehicle rebate program (which includes used vehicles and e-bikes as eligible for incentives) and community-focused programs such as Connect2, to expand Nova Scotians' options for walking, biking, rolling, shared mobility, ZEVs, and transit while reducing GHG emissions.

Forestry, agriculture and waste

EGCCRA includes new goals to:

Nova Scotia is also very interested in working together with the federal government to plant at least 21 million trees in the Province over the duration of Canada's Two Billion Trees Initiative.

Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2030

Economy-wide

In addition to the new goals recently legislated in EGCCRA, the Government will release a Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth prior to December 31, 2022. The new Climate Change Plan will include additional measures and more specific actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Nova Scotia is also working on a carbon pricing approach for 2023-2030 that complies with federal requirements. Details will be released in Spring 2022.

As electricity is a major source of GHG emissions in Nova Scotia, the Province has set renewable electricity standards (RES). There is currently an RES (i.e. a regulatory requirement on the electricity utility) for 40% renewable electricity starting in 2020 and this increases to 80% renewable electricity starting in 2030. The 80% standard was set in the Renewable Electricity Regulations under the Electricity Act in July 2021 and re-affirmed in EGCCRA.

Planned actions for 2050

Nova Scotia has legislated a commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the province by 2050. Several of the goals and initiatives outlined about (e.g., government leadership-by-example in the buildings sector) have targets and ongoing implementation based 2030 and will contribute additionally to the 2050 goal.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Cooperative agreements

The provincial government currently has 2 cost shared agreements with the federal government, including the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and Building Regional Adaptation Capacity and Expertise, both of which are scheduled to end within the next two years. The Department of Environment and Climate Change is interested in pursuing an extension to existing funding or receiving new funding for the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. The provincial government is also a participant on the Atlantic Loop initiative, the Atlantic organization (CLIMAtlantic for the Canadian Centre for Climate Services), and has a range of cooperative arrangements with the federal government and industry related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the offshore area. From an adaptation perspective, the provincial government is actively participating in the development of the new National Adaptation Strategy.

Key actions

Newfoundland and Labrador has undertaken a significant infrastructure project to decarbonize its electricity sector. This project, which includes the development of the 824 MW Muskrat Falls project and the closure of the 490 MW Holyrood Generating Station, is nearing completion.

Newfoundland and Labrador's current strategy to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions is contained in its 2019 action plan. A copy is available at: The Way Forward: On Climate Change in Newfoundland and Labrador (PDF; 4.12 MB). A mid-term strategy update was released in December 2021 and is available at: Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024 (PDF; 7.81 MB). From a mitigation perspective, the update highlights the implementation of a made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador carbon pricing system in 2019 and greenhouse gas emission reductions made under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund as key actions. From the perspective of the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, targets set out in the federal-provincial agreement are expected to be exceeded. The action plan contains commitments related to every sector of the economy, from businesses and large industry, to households and transportation, and government. Of the 45 action items, 30 are completed, and substantial progress has been made on the remaining 15 action items.

The provincial government released a renewable energy strategy in December 2021. This strategy is available at: Maximizing Our Renewable Future - A Plan for Development of the Renewable Energy in Newfoundland and Labrador (PDF; 3.11 MB).

Newfoundland and Labrador is implementing its made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador carbon pricing system through the:

Newfoundland and Labrador is currently implementing climate change programs related to electric vehicle incentives and fuel oil transition for homeowners. More information is available at:

Oil to Electric Rebate Program - Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro; and Electric Vehicle Rebate Program - Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power have received approval to work with the federal government to expand level 3 electric vehicle charging station capacity and are seeking approval to offer incentives for electric vehicle purchases.

Planned actions for 2030

Newfoundland and Labrador's current action plan is deigned as a 5-year plan for the 2019 to 2024 period. Over the next few years, we will continue to make progress toward completing the action plan as this sets out a course for immediate steps; however, additional action will be needed. We have and will seek new, more ambitious opportunities to further GHG emission reduction and transition Newfoundland and Labrador towards a green economy over this decade.

Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the federal government respecting the proposed federal carbon pricing changes starting 2023, and is engaged on other federal regulatory and program considerations, such as the Clean Fuel Standard, zero emission electric vehicles, and the net zero target for the oil and gas sector. This work is ongoing.

Planned actions for 2050

In 2020 Newfoundland and Labrador committed to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, and, in December 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador established a Net-Zero Advisory Council. The eight member Council will focus on identifying near term and foundational actions the government and others can take to set Newfoundland and Labrador on a strong path to achieve net-zero that would grow the green economy, while considering a just transition and affordability. The Council will also advise on global trends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the importance and use of carbon sinks. Additional information on the Council is available at: Provincial Government Establishes Net-Zero Advisory Council - News Releases.

Prince Edward Island

Cooperative agreements

There are several cooperative measures and funding programs administered and/or cost-shared by the Government of Canada that are assisting provinces in reaching their emissions reductions targets. These include:

Key actions

The following is a list of actions the Government of Prince Edward Island is currently taking. It does not include actions being pursued by First Nations, municipal governments, industries, businesses, and community organizations who are also contributing to efforts to reduce emissions in Prince Edward Island.

Built environment

Buildings are the third largest source of emissions in PEI. Emissions in this sector have declined over the last 10 years, due to focused and aggressive policies and programs. PEI's approach has focused on:

Electricity

As most of the electricity used in Prince Edward Island is generated elsewhere, very little of the province's emissions are attributed to the electricity sector (<1%). However, PEI is helping reduce electricity related emissions in other jurisdictions through the supply of renewable wind energy. PEI is one of the global leaders in the development of wind energy. The eight wind farms in the province produce 204 MWs of electricity, about 25% of PEI's electricity supply. PEI has a total peak electrical load of over 320 Megawatts.

PEI is also investing in solar energy, with a Solar Energy Rebate Program for consumers (offered through efficiencyPEI) and 2 utility-scaled, solar farm and battery storage facilities for a combined 31 MW.

Industry, including oil and gas

Like the electricity sector, industry is not a significant source of emissions (<1% or 6% if light manufacturing is included). One large manufacturer (Cavendish Farms) is part of the Output-Based Pricing System. PEI expects the OBPS to be a useful instrument in driving emission reductions at this facility, and any other that may opt to participate.

PEI is working to build a robust clean technology sector that could develop and deploy competitive, clean technology solutions across Canada and around the world. This sector could help solve some of the province's most pressing environmental challenges: climate change, clean air, clean water, and clean healthy soil. In 2021, PEI created a specific loan portfolio valued at $50 million to assist new businesses and existing businesses adopt and develop clean technology solutions and introduced a $10 million fund over the next 5 years specifically earmarked for research and development projects in the clean technology sector. PEI has also supported clean technology projects through its Climate Challenge Fund (for example, hydrogen fuel systems). PEI is also working towards the establishment of the PEI Energy Academy and Eco-Innovation Park.

Transportation

Transportation is the largest source of emissions in PEI and these emissions continue to grow. PEI's efforts to reduce emissions in this sector have focused on supporting electric vehicle adoption, investments in active transportation networks, and expanding transit.

Last year, PEI launched the Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program. This program provides rebates of $2,500 to $5,000 towards a plugin hybrid or new or used EV. To date, there has been a 237% increase in the number of zero emission vehicles registered in PEI since January 2021. This has included investments in EV charging infrastructure for homes, and businesses and multi-unit residential buildings.

Sixty-five projects have been completed under the Active Transportation Fund including investment in PEI's Confederation Trail system.

Most recently, the province has worked with local business to implement a rural public transit service. In addition, the province is working to transition its school bus fleet to electric with plans to have 20% of the fleet electric by the end of 2022.

Forestry, agriculture and waste

Agriculture is the second largest source of emissions in PEI, although levels have been steady over the last number of years. Emissions from the waste and forest sector are minimal in comparison.

Several newly launched agricultural programs are assisting farmers reduce emissions and sequester carbon. These include the following best management practices that are supported by per-hectare payments of the PEI Agriculture Climate Solutions Program:

Trial-based research activities related to nitrogen fertilizer management and incorporating feed additives into ruminant livestock diets are also underway. Other best management practices are being supported through the Living Labs Initiative (for example, nutrient management, soil conservation, irrigation). Established programming through the Agriculture Stewardship Program, supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are also advancing emission reductions.

Government has recently expanded production of native tree and shrub species at the provincial forest nursery for reforestation projects. Significant investments continue to be made in the Alternate Land Use Services Program which, in part, takes marginal agricultural land out of production. Also, the most recent capital budget allocated $2.5 million to go towards a new buffer zone buyback and restoration project that will increase greenspaces and benefit Island ecosystems, and $1 million to support the province's efforts to plant over one million trees a year, an important step toward meeting the province's 2040 net zero target. The Carbon Capture Tree Planting Program, launched in 2018 with support from the Low Carbon Economy Fund, is also enhancing carbon sequestration through afforestation of marginal agricultural land.

PEI is currently developing an industry-led organization established to promote cooperation and lead sustainable forest management practices in PEI.

PEI also keeps more waste out of landfills – per person – than anywhere else in Canada due to the province's recycling and composting programs via the Island Waste Management Corporation.

Economy-Wide

PEI will increase the carbon price on diesel and gasoline to $50/tonne in March 2022.

Emission reduction and carbon sequestration projects receive support through the Climate Challenge Fund. The Climate Challenge (CC) Fund provides $1 million each year to help organizations develop innovative solutions to address climate change. To date, this fund has supported 29 projects (15 in 2020 to 2021; 14 in 2021 to 2022) across sectors and organization types, including First Nations, municipalities, non-profit organizations, local businesses and academic institutions.

Planned actions for 2030

PEI has recently completed a 2040 Path to Net Zero Framework. This government-wide framework provides a roadmap to reach PEI's 2040 net zero target while contributing to national targets and priorities. Decisions and investments are intended to facilitate an environment that supports private sector, research, education, training, and Islanders (representing diverse communities and populations in PEI) along the path to a prosperous net zero future.

The following actions come from PEI's 2040 Net Zero Framework:

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2050

As PEI's framework goal is to reduce emissions to net zero by 2040, all actions are included above.

Yukon

Cooperative agreements

The Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate Act aligns with commitments specified in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to providing the Government of Yukon with $25 million in support of climate change priorities. The Government of Yukon will apply this funding to nine projects; five of which are intended to directly contribute to emissions reductions.

Where possible, the Yukon strives to align with national targets. Similar to the Nationally Determined Contribution, Yukon has committed to reducing emissions by 45%, below 2010 levels, by 2030. Mining emissions will be subject to a different emissions target process. The Yukon is also committed to being net-zero by 2050.

These targets will be legislated in the proposed Clean Energy Act, currently under development and intended to be in place by the end of 2022.

Key actions

The Government of Yukon released Our Clean Future: a Yukon strategy for climate change, energy and a green economy, the Yukon's 10-year climate change strategy, in 2020. The Strategy was designed in partnership with First Nations governments, municipalities, and other organizations. The Strategy is designed to achieve 4 goals:

  1. Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions
  2. Ensure Yukoners have access to reliable, affordable and renewable energy
  3. Adapt to the impacts of climate change
  4. Build a green economy

The strategy features 131 actions, which fall under seven areas, many of which are similar to the identified sectors below.

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2030

While a full list of actions can be found in Our Clean Future, below is a list of the key actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the following sectors:

Built environment
Electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
Transportation
Forestry, agriculture and waste
Economy-wide

Planned actions for 2050

Yukon is currently undertaking modelling work to understand which policy actions will enable us to reach our goal of net-zero by 2050.

The Government of Yukon recently launched a Yukon Climate Leadership Council. The council is made up of a diversity of representatives from various organizations, including First Nations governments, industry, academic institutions and youth. They will provide recommendations on how to reach the 45% emissions reduction target, and will support the Yukon is getting on a path to net-zero by 2050.

Northwest Territories

Cooperative agreements

Key actions

The Government of the Northwest Territories' (GNWT) plan to address climate change is outlined in the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and the NWT 2030 Energy Strategy.

Our objective currently remains to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Northwest Territories (NWT) by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. This includes a slate of initiatives across sectors using the best options available to us. Some of the initiatives in these plans include transmission lines to connect diesel powered communities to existing hydropower, investments in biomass heating, alternative and renewable electricity projects, energy efficiency programs, and a major hydropower expansion at the existing Taltson generating station.

The Strategy has 6 Strategic Objectives to reach the overarching 2030 vision:

The 2020 to 2021 Energy initiatives Report is available here: 2020-2021 Energy Initiatives Report

Planned actions for 2030

The current 2019 to 2022 Energy Action Plan ends March 31, 2022. Under the 2030 Energy Strategy the GNWT committed to releasing concurrent 3-year action plans; as such the GNWT needs to develop the 2022 to 2025 Energy Action Plan, to be released in 2022. The new Action Plan will need to consider:

Current investment into capital generation assets, interconnections between thermal generation communities, and higher efficiency end-use technologies are ensuring we are putting the needs of our people first while keeping costs low and achieving our climate commitments. These efforts generate local economic benefits through employment of Indigenous and local business, build capacity within local industry leaders, and highlight northern solutions.

The NWT is also exploring the value of protecting landscape carbon, given the vast landscape carbon stocks in the NWT within peatlands and forests. If this landscape carbon were to become a carbon source it could be a much larger source than our emissions from burning fossil fuels. A key NWT contribution to reduced GHG contributions could be to protect NWT landscape carbon stocks so that they do not contribute to increasing Canada's emissions.

Planned actions for 2050

In addition to the Energy Action Plan items identified in # 3 the GNWT will initiate modelling of net zero decarbonization pathways for the NWT.

At this time there is no reliable replacement to fossil fuel consumption for non-hydro NWT communities, or many economic sectors. The GNWT has initiated work to better understand what net zero pathways could look like in the North. Initial analysis indicates that such pathways might substantially rely on emerging or unproven expensive technologies, given the limited availability of zero-carbon technologies in the North. The challenge is particularly prominent for remote communities, where electrification of end uses is not currently an option. Ultimately, any deep decarbonization effort in the North will be tied to the availability of zero-carbon technologies that will reliably work in northern climates, the cost of such technologies, the availability of funding to deploy it, and the capacity to maintain such technologies.

Nunavut

Cooperative agreements

Key actions

The Government of Nunavut (GN) is working with contractors, running greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling analysis to improve the understanding of the territory's emissions. This data will assist in identifying future greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs and policies.

The GN has multiple programs that will contribute to greenhouse gas reduction. These include but are not limited to:

Planned actions for 2030

Having recently gone through an election, the Government of Nunavut is drafting the next mandate that will shape future government work. The GN is also looking at various options to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases within our unique and specific context.

Aside from existing projects, which are insufficient to meet the 2030 reduction targets, Nunavut requires more federal energy infrastructure partnership involvement. The GN needs additional federal funding for investing in the use of low carbon sources of energy and to investigate new technologies such as the use of renewables, nuclear, natural gas, and geothermal energy as practical options in a northern context. We would like to see definitive plans for this included in the ERP submission.

It should be noted that the GN is dedicated to addressing the infrastructure deficit, promoting economic development, and supporting a young and growing population. The GN is expecting that these factors, along with the inherent fossil fuel dependency of our energy system, will drive continued greenhouse gas emissions for the foreseeable future.

Planned actions for 2050

Please see the above response.

Page details

Date modified: