Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan - Annex 1
British Columbia
Cooperative agreements
- BC‐Canada MOU on the electrification of the natural gas sector
- Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Bilateral Agreements – Green Streams
- Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund
- Partnership on the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)
- Shared Priorities Agreement with Natural Resources Canada for investment in public charging infrastructure
- BC-Canada Nature Agreement
- Natural Climate Solutions Fund 2020-2030 – Two Billion Trees program, Nature Smart Climate Solutions and Agriculture Climate Solutions
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership and the Next Agriculture Policy Framework
- BC-Canada equivalency agreement respecting the release of methane from the oil and gas sector
- Coalition of Green Buyers
- National Forest Carbon Monitoring Reporting and Accounting System
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
- Carbon tax is scheduled to increase to $50/tonne in 2022, and commitment to meet or exceed federal carbon price until 2030
- Interim emissions target of 16% below 2007 levels by 2025
- Legislated emission targets reductions of: 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 80% by 2050 compared to 2007 levels. Sectoral targets in place for transportation, buildings and industry. Mandate commitment to legislate net zero by 2050
Transportation
- Zero Emission Vehicles Act requires new light-duty zero emission vehicles (ZEV) sales and leases, reaching: 10% by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040
- Investments in transportation infrastructure such as zero-emission buses, hybrid coastal ferries and electrification of inland ferries
- CleanBC GoElectric suite of programs to support ZEV adoption: Light-duty vehicle point of purchase rebates; commercial vehicle rebates; hydrogen fueling infrastructure; home and workplace and public charging programs; ZEV sector economic development (research and development); fleet program; investments in research and development for medium and heavy duty ZEVs; research training and public education and outreach
- Active Transportation Strategy includes support for community planning and infrastructure
- Investments into reducing emissions from the existing heavy-duty vehicle fleet through a program of education and equipment purchase incentives through the CleanBC HDV Program
- Transitioning of public sector vehicle fleet to ZEVs
- Updated Low Carbon Fuel Standard
- Hydrogen Strategy released in 2021
- Sectoral target set of a reduction of 27-32% of 2007 sector emissions by 2030
Buildings and communities
- Residential and commercial building incentives for fuel switching and energy efficiency upgrades or new builds through the CleanBC Better Homes and Better Buildings Programs
- Investments in low-carbon technologies through the Building Innovation Fund including heating and ventilation equipment, digital tools, construction systems as well as mass timber manufacturing technology and demonstration projects
- Introduced new and updated energy efficiency standards for gas boilers and residential windows
- Upgrades to public buildings and public housing to improve energy efficiency
- CleanBC Remote Communities Strategy outlines steps and provides program supports to reduce diesel use in remote communities in B.C.
- CleanBC Communities Fund (Funded through ICIP bilateral program) has had two successful and heavily subscribed intakes
- The third and final intake is now open
- Sectoral target set of a reduction of 59-64% of 2007 sector emissions by 2030
Waste
- Organic Infrastructure Program (co-funded by Low Carbon Economy Fund) which keeps organic waste out of landfills by investing $10M provincially, and $30M in total
- CleanBC Organic Infrastructure and Collection Program is investing up to $25.9 million of provincial funds in new, or expanded, organic waste processing infrastructure, and residential organic waste collection programs. Recipients contribute $23.55M for a total of $49.45M investment
- CleanBC Plastics Action Plan released and implemented; examples of actions include shoreline clean-up and changes to recycling regulations
- Support for biogas capture to support renewable fuel development
- Continued support for land application and beneficial use of biosolids in alignment with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Canada-Wide Approach for the Management of Wastewater Biosolids
Industry
- CleanBC Program for Industry provides incentives to industrial operations that meet world-leading low-carbon emissions benchmarks in different sectors and invests in GHG-reducing projects and increases opportunities for innovative clean technologies
- Methane abatement (oil and gas regulations and methane management offset protocol) including regulations to achieve 45% reduction in methane emissions, below 2014 levels, by 2025
- In partnership with Canada, the establishment of the Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy which will focus on: Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage; production, use and distribution of low carbon hydrogen; biofuels and synthetic fuels; renewable natural gas; and, battery technology, storage and energy management systems
- In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province and BC Hydro are reducing rates and lowering the costs of connecting to the electricity grid to help industries, public transportation agencies and neighbourhood energy systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attract new clean tech industries to British Columbia. BC Hydro will provide new CleanBC industrial electrification rates that will offer a discount on BC Hydro's standard industrial rates to:
- new clean industries setting up or expanding operations in B.C., including hydrogen and biofuels
- eligible existing customers that install new equipment that uses electricity rather than fossil fuels and
- eligible new customers that can demonstrate they could have used fossil fuels rather than electricity to power their facilities
- In addition, the Province has directed $84.4 million from the Government of Canada's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to create a new CleanBC Facilities Electrification Fund that will provide support to customers to reduce the costs of connecting to the electricity grid or upgrading their connections to use more electricity and reduce air pollution
- Undertook a review of B.C.'s oil and gas royalty system. As part of the review, the Province commissioned an independent assessment of the current royalty system and conducted public engagement which concluded in December 2021
- Industry sectoral target of a reduction of 38-43% of 2007 emissions by 2030
- Oil and gas sectoral target of a reduction of 33-38% of 2007 emissions by 2030
Forestry and agriculture
- Rehabilitation of damaged forest stands and roads, fertilization, improved seed and reduced burning of harvest residues to increase natural sinks and reduce emissions via the Forest Carbon Initiative
- Initial planting of stands as part of the Canada's 2 Billion Tree program
- Development of forest management knowledge/tools for increasing sinks and reducing emissions
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
- B.C.'s carbon tax will continue to meet or exceed federal carbon price requirements
- Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy will be released in 2022
- Develop a Circular Economy Strategy in 2022. Key components will include advancing the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and requiring more manufacturers to take responsibility for their products' eventual recycling, reuse or safe disposal. B.C. issued an Extended Producer Responsibility Five-year Action Plan identifying several product areas to be targeted for regulation through 2026
- Banning certain single-use plastic items thereby reducing emissions from the manufacture, distribution, and disposal of these unnecessary items
- Create a workforce readiness framework, including measures to ensure there are opportunities for workers to upgrade their skills to adapt to changing jobs as we transition to a low carbon economy
Low carbon energy
- New regulations will enhance the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which requires fuel suppliers to make continuous reductions in their products' carbon intensity
- Double the target for renewable fuels produced in B.C. to 1.3 billion litres by 2030
- A GHG cap for natural gas utilities – limiting emissions from the gas used to heat homes and buildings and power some industries – will encourage new investment in low-carbon technologies and fuels and energy efficiency
- Adopting a 100% Clean Electricity Delivery Standard. BC Hydro will ensure it has produced or acquired sufficient clean electricity to meet the needs of domestic customers and phasing out remaining gas-fired facilities on its integrated grid by 2030
- Advancing B.C. Hydro's Electrification Plan. Subject to approval, over the next five years, the Crown corporation plans to invest over $260 million to advance electrification, including over $190 million to promote fuel switching in buildings, transportation and industry
- Implementing the B.C. Hydrogen Strategy, to support the development of production, use and export of renewable and low carbon hydrogen
- Launch an Indigenous Clean Energy Opportunities engagement process along with the First Nations Leadership Council and the B.C. First Nations Energy and Mining Council
Transportation
- Increase ZEV Act targets to 26% by 2026, 90% by 2030, and 100% by 2035
- Set new standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles aligned with California
- Complete B.C.'s Electric Highway by 2024 and target having 10,000 public EV charging stations by 2030
- Release a Clean Transportation Action Plan in 2023 that will focus on efficiency-first transportation options and highlight steps to reduce emissions in the transportation sector, including ports and airports
- Legislate "right-to-charge", allowing more people to install EV charging infrastructure in strata and apartment buildings
- Reduce distance travelled in light duty vehicles by 25% by 2030
- Achieve active transportation mode shares of 30% by 2030, 40% by 2040 and 50% by 2050
- Reduce the energy intensity of goods movement (tonne-kilometres) by at least 10% by 2030, 30% by 2040, and 50% by 2050, relative to 2020; and establish personal transportation energy intensity targets
- Making commercial transport more energy efficient by accelerating innovation and driving the adoption of clean technologies
- Improving vehicle efficiency through faster fleet turnover and work with Canada to strengthen emission standards and develop new equipment regulations for air, rail, marine and off-road vehicles
- At COP26, BC signed on to the ZEV Pledge for public fleets by committing to having the full stock of public sector light duty vehicles be zero emission by 2035 and having medium and heavy duty vehicles be zero emission by 2040
Buildings
- A new carbon pollution standard and energy-efficiency standards for existing buildings will be added to the B.C. Building Code beginning in 2024, and by 2030 all new buildings must be zero carbon
- Introduce regulations coming into effect by 2030, or earlier where feasible, so all new space and water heating equipment sold and installed in B.C. will be at least 100% efficient
- Update utility regulations to shift the focus of utility-funded efficiency programs away from conventional fossil combustion equipment towards heat pumps and supporting market readiness for future standards and codes
- Proceeding with the next steps towards a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program
- Introduce home energy labelling to home sale listings. As a first step, introduce a user-friendly, web-based, virtual home-energy rating tool
- Develop a Low Carbon Building Materials Strategy by 2023
- Develop methods for quantifying and analyzing the embodied carbon of built environment
Communities
- Establish a new program in 2022 to support local government climate actions through flexible, predictable funding
- Develop an integrated planning approach to better align land-use and transportation planning to build more connected, mixed-use communities
- Enhance the existing Community Energy Emissions Database for local governments and Indigenous communities
- Work to develop regionally specific adaptation and resilience strategies as part of B.C.'s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy
- Support natural asset infrastructure in communities
Industry, including oil and gas
- Reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 75% below 2014 levels by 2030, equivalent with the federal commitment. Aim to eliminate methane emissions from oil and gas, mining, forestry and industrial wood waste as much as possible by 2035
- New large industrial facilities will be required to demonstrate how they align with B.C.'s 2030 and 2040 targets and submit enforceable plans to achieve net-zero by 2050
- The CleanBC Program for Industry will be enhanced. The program supports GHG reductions and competitiveness by investing carbon tax revenue in projects that reduce emissions and costs across B.C. In 2022, B.C. will work with industry, the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples to redesign the program to align with new federal carbon pricing rules while continuing to promote a competitive business environment and significant GHG reductions
- Implement programs and policies so that oil and gas emissions are reduced in line with sectoral targets, including:
- Reviewing B.C.'s methane regulations to ensure they are effective and efficient in achieving the 2025 emissions reduction target in consultation with industry and ENGOs
- Finalizing the regulatory policy framework for carbon capture and storage in the oil and gas sector including a coordinated approach to carbon capture, utilization and storage and negative emissions technologies across industrial sectors
- Implementing B.C's Hydrogen Strategy
- Integrate emission goals into the oil and gas royalty system; undertake a review of the royalty system to help meet provincial emission reduction targets
- Focus on technological innovation and clean technology, including carbon capture utilization and storage
Forest bioeconomy
- Per the Old Growth Strategy, integrate climate mitigation into forest management and undertake research to improve understanding of old growth forests and impacts on GHGs
- A new B.C. Forest Carbon Offset Protocol will expand access to the carbon-offset market for Indigenous communities and forest companies
- Supporting investment and partnership with Indigenous peoples and industry in bioproduct development including the following:
- Explore policy actions to increase the use of biomaterials in carbon-intensive products such as concrete, asphalt and plastic components
- Encourage the use of biomaterials in packaging, consumer goods and biochemical sectors
- Explore opportunities to support sector growth through measures such as market and supply chain studies, capacity building, technology assessments and pilot projects for scale-up opportunities
- Advance mass timber production and use through a Mass Timber Action Plan
- Explore the potential for regional bio-hubs to help ensure communities have access to fibre for diversified manufacturing, and to enhance the number of well-paying forest sector jobs across the province
- Explore ways to streamline regulations and generate investment for bioproducts facilities at pulp mill sites, allowing producers to make full use of B.C.'s forest resources
- Work towards near elimination of slash pile burning by 2030
Agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries
- Enhance agricultural carbon sequestration through applied research, piloting, and increasing producer adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and technologies
- Work with Indigenous communities and the aquaculture sector to explore the carbon-storage potential of seaweed cultivation
Negative emissions technology (NETs)
- Consider NETs as a compliance pathway for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard
- Build an accounting framework for NETs by 2025
- Invest in research, development and deployment and consider grants and incentives for R&D, pilot projects, and commercial scale development
CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 government leadership measures include
- Factoring climate considerations into decision-making, ensuring a focus on climate resilient, zero- or low carbon projects
- Making ZEVs the default option for B.C. public sector fleets, with ZEVs accounting for 100% of light-duty vehicle acquisitions by 2027
- Requiring all new public sector buildings to align with our climate goals beginning with performance standards (2023) and moving to zero-carbon new buildings (2027)
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy (2024) to transform our existing buildings portfolio to a low carbon and resiliency standard
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
- Alberta's was the first government in Canada to set a methane emissions reduction target, and Alberta is on track to meet the goal of 45% below 2014 by 2025 for the oil and gas sector
- Alberta and the federal government established an equivalency agreement that recognizes Alberta's jurisdiction to regulate methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector, which came into force in October 2020
- Alberta's methane reduction tools include regulations such as Alberta's Methane Emission Reduction Regulation and directives
- Alberta's combination of regulations, market-based incentives and investment programs have been used to highlight best practices for methane reduction internationally. Details of Alberta's system have been published in case studies by organizations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The World Bank's Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership adopted Alberta's flaring and venting standards as a model
Carbon offset memorandum of understanding
- Alberta established a carbon offset system in 2007
- The Government of Canada recognizes the robustness of Alberta's emission offset system, and select Alberta carbon offsets are recognized units that may be submitted under the federal Output-Based Pricing System
- Alberta established a memorandum of understanding with Environment and Climate Change Canada to enable regulated facilities in other provinces that are regulated under the federal Output-Based Pricing System to use certain Alberta-generated offsets for federal compliance
- Alberta's carbon offset system is a recognized program as of August 2020
- The agreement supports provision of lower-cost compliance options for federally-regulated facilities in other provinces
- The agreement provides a larger market for Alberta emission offsets beyond Alberta's carbon market. Alberta's Technology Innovation and Emission Reduction (TIER) Regulation does not prevent organizations in other jurisdictions from purchasing or using Alberta's emission offsets
- Alberta's emission offset system is internationally recognized. Jurisdictions in the United States, Australia, China and South Korea have met with Alberta to learn how to develop and refine their own emission offset programs and protocols
- Alberta is unique in North America with our large number (19) of emissions-reducing activities for which companies can be recognized as emission offset projects
Key actions
Built environment
- Alberta has a legislated requirement to adopt the latest building codes within 12 months of their availability
Electricity
- Alberta committed to the elimination of emissions from coal-fired power generation by 2030, and Alberta is on track to well surpass this with projections that all coal power to be eliminated by 2023
- Alberta's Renewable Electricity Act outlines Alberta's commitment to increasing renewable electricity generation to meet the legislated target of 30% of Alberta's electricity from renewable sources by 2030
- In response to Alberta's energy-only market and the single electricity benchmark under the TIER Regulation, Alberta has seen over $2 billion worth of utility scale renewable generation projects announced since 2019, accounting for more than 2 GW of capacity. These projects are market-driven and do not require government subsidies
- Alberta has become a destination for renewable energy projects, with abundant wind and solar resources, and environmental policy that reflects a long-standing commitment to a fair, efficient and openly competitive electricity market
- Three Nations Energy is a corporation owned by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and Fort Chipewyan Métis Association. It completed Canada's largest off-grid solar farm, which will provide 25% of the annual electricity needs of the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan. The project helped Indigenous tradespeople, workers and contractors to participate and build their skills in the green energy sector
- Bill 86: the Electricity Statutes Amendment Act was brought forward to address the changing ways that electricity producers and consumers interact with and use Alberta's power grid to encourage adoption and investment in emerging energy systems and technologies
- Alberta has a memorandum of understanding with the provinces of Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick to support the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) that will provide safe, emissions-free nuclear energy to cities, industry and remote settlements
- Alberta's government continues to collaborate with regulators including the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Alberta Utilities Commission and Alberta Energy Regulator to better understand the process for potential SMR development in Alberta
- Alberta is attracting new investment in geothermal energy by implementing a new geothermal policy and regulatory framework
- Bill 36: the Geothermal Resource Development Act establishes a clear path forward for geothermal projects, while ensuring the resource is developed responsibly and in the best interest of Albertans
- Encouraging geothermal development – which has one of the lowest impacts of any renewable energy source – will help further Alberta's commitment to responsible energy production
- Researchers have identified more than 6,100 MW of thermal power capacity and more than 1,150 MW of technically recoverable electrical power capacity potential across several municipal districts in western Alberta
Industry
- The TIER Regulation is the third generation of Alberta's industrial carbon pricing policy
- Alberta was the first jurisdiction in North America to put a price on industrial GHG emissions, and has priced industrial emissions and maintained a carbon market since 2007
- Alberta's industrial carbon pricing system is recognized for its robust design, driving reductions in GHG emission across all sectors of the economy with its regulatory stringency, carbon offsets and investment of the TIER Fund in clean technology and innovation as well as other measures to reduce emissions and enhance resilience to a changing climate
- Alberta has been a partner since the Word Bank Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition was founded in 2015 and is one of only three sub-national government technical members in the World Bank Partnership for Market Readiness. These World Bank groups enable Alberta to learn and share experience with other jurisdictions to strengthen our carbon pricing policies and other measures to reduce emissions
- TIER-funded programs are encouraging development of game-changing technology
- The TIER Fund is invested in programs and projects that focus on innovation, research and technology to reduce emissions at a lower cost, while supporting jobs, and in programs and projects that help municipalities and Indigenous communities better understand, manage and adjust to a changing climate
- TIER funds are provided to Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative clean technology solutions
- Alberta has a legislated cap on greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands
- Alberta's Oil Sands Emissions Limit Actprovides a legislative framework for implementing an annual oil sands GHG emissions cap of 100 Mt. Emissions remain below the limit
- Alberta was the first sub-national jurisdiction in North America to set a methane reduction target for the oil and gas sector of 45% below 2014 levels by 2025. Alberta is on track to meet the target
- Alberta is a global leader in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology
- Alberta has ideal geological conditions for carbon sequestration, and has developed policy and regulatory systems
- Alberta and its industry have made significant investments in commercial-scale CCUS infrastructure. For example:
- The Quest Project is the world's first application of CCUS at an oil sands upgrading facility. It has captured and safely stored 6 Mt in its first 5 years –more than any other industry CCUS facility in the world
- The Alberta Carbon Trunk Line (ACTL), which has capacity to safely transport 14.6 Mt per year from industrial facilities to geological storage, commenced commercial operation in 2020. The ACTL is one of the world's newest integrated large-scale CCUS systems
- The Alberta government has invested significant resources to develop the funding, conduct the Regulatory Framework Assessment, and now develop a process for awarding carbon sequestration agreements for CCUS hub operators
- Alberta's Hydrogen Roadmap outlines a strategy to develop an integrated hydrogen economy and create low-carbon hydrogen for domestic use and export to global markets. Increased usage of clean hydrogen can have a significant impact on emissions in a number of sectors, including industrial processes, commercial and residential heating, power generation and transportation
- Alberta's Hydrogen Roadmap outlines the enormous opportunity for government, industry and municipalities to grow Alberta's hydrogen sector and position the province as an international leader in clean hydrogen
- Alberta's abundant natural gas reserves and significant investments in natural gas production and CCUS infrastructure allow for low-cost clean hydrogen production with one of the world's lowest carbon-intensity footprints
- Alberta and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) have a memorandum of understanding and commitment to natural resource cooperation and development, including improving cooperation on environmental technologies like hydrogen, ammonia and CCUS
- Alberta's mineral strategy, Renewing Alberta's Mineral Future, sets a framework to capitalize on Alberta's vast mineral resources, and to expand the minerals industry in a sustainable way to meet the demands of an electrifying economy
- Sustainably and ethically-sourced minerals such as lithium, cobalt and vanadium are crucial to providing the materials needed for clean technology development, like batteries
- As the first step toward implementation of the Minerals Strategy and Action Plan, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 82: the Mineral Resource Development Act in December 2021 to improve the regulatory environment and promote responsible mineral resource development
Transportation
- The Government of Alberta has committed significant funds to transit projects. Two examples are the Valley Line LRT in Edmonton and Green Line LRT in Calgary
- The government also supports clean technology improvement. As one example, Alberta supported, via Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), the Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC) project in conjunction with the Alberta Motor Transport Association. It will feature the development of two long-range fuel-cell electric trucks for operation between Edmonton and Calgary to showcase Alberta's role in developing technologies that reduce freight transportation emissions. ERA also provided support for the Alberta Zero Emission Hydrogen Transit (AZEHT) project, which will demonstrate two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEB) to be used in road trials shared by the municipalities of Edmonton and Strathcona County, with the active participation of Calgary and Banff/Bow Valley
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Industrial emissions pricing has driven emission reductions in forestry, agriculture and waste sectors as regulated facilities, and through carbon-offset activities
- ERA is committing $33 million for 17 projects with a combined value of $107 million in public and private investment. Funding comes from the TIER Fund and supports innovation in the agriculture, agri-food and forestry sectors
- Alberta amended the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Amendment Act to set the foundation to implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework
- Alberta's Natural Gas Vision and Strategy includes a goal of establishing Alberta as a Western North America centre of excellence for plastics recycling by 2030
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:
- Federated Co-operatives Limited recently announced plans to invest $2 billion to construct an integrated agriculture complex, including a $360 million joint venture with AGT Foods, to build a canola crushing facility that will supply feedstock for a 15,000 barrel-a-day renewable diesel plant. It is estimated that construction of the complex will create 2,750 jobs, up to 300 permanent jobs, and $4.5 billion in gross economic output
- Covenant Energy is investing $500 million in Canada's first hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel refinery in southern Saskatchewan. The refinery will reduce the carbon intensity of renewable fuels produced by the plant
- Cenovus Energy is also contributing to the transition to renewable energy through a power-purchase agreement to buy solar-power produced electricity and associated emissions offsets from a partnership between Cold Lake First Nations and Elemental Energy Incorporated. The agreement enables Cenovus to address emissions while supporting Indigenous reconciliation through economic engagement
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
- Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (pending): Opportunity to link with carbon/GHG reduction/sequestration quantification, monitoring, and reporting tools/methodologies through enhancement and implementation of nature-based land valuation and management systems and policies. A Letter of Intent package is being developed, led by Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, on an integrated four-year project and submitted to ECCC by January 25, 2022
- Efficient Trucking Program (ETP): Manitoba committed to Canada's Low-Carbon Economy Fund to launch a 3-year ETP, providing incentives for specific technologies and devices to improve fuel efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. The economic impact is expected to be $23.5 million, with 70,000 t/CO2e of cumulative GHG emissions reductions resulting
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP)
- Canadian Green Agricultural Plan (under development)
Key actions
Built environment
- The province is continuing to expand Efficiency Manitoba grant offerings to support building energy efficiency programs across all sectors
- Manitoba is modernizing building codes and energy product standards
Electricity
- Actions are being taken to further reduce emissions from Manitoba's electrical grid. Manitoba's last coal-fired generating unit was phased out, ahead of Canada's 2030 target. In addition, two natural gas generating units also ceased operations in 2021
- Manitoba and Saskatchewan finalized a contract for an additional 215 megawatts of baseload renewable energy to begin flowing between the provinces in 2022. Exports of Manitoba's low-carbon hydroelectricity result in more than 7 Mt/CO2e of global emissions reduced per year, equivalent to approximately 30% of Manitoba's annual GHG emissions
Industry, including oil and gas
- Manitoba is launching a comprehensive review of its energy policy, with the objective of using the province's renewable energy resources to support low-carbon economic development transition away from fossil fuels
Transportation
- The province is reducing emissions from transportation by increasing ethanol and biodiesel fuel mandate requirements, and providing grants to install technologies to improve fuel efficiency in the commercial trucking sector
- Manitoba is developing a Green Transportation Strategy based on the advice of the independent Expert Advisory Council to ensure continued emissions reductions from transportation-related activities
Forestry, agriculture, and waste
- The province is investing annually in carbon sinks with extensive fiscal supports for sustainable forestry management activities, forest health, tree planting programs (both in forested lands and in urban settings), maintenance of permanent forest cover, sustainable management and recovery of harvested peatlands, and maintenance of wetlands by following the Boreal Wetlands Conservation Codes of Practice
- The province is advancing agricultural beneficial management practices, including through CAP, Watershed District Program, and the Conservation and GROW (Growing Outcomes in Watersheds) Trusts
- Manitoba is working to modernize its waste diversion and recycling framework, including the exploration of policy options to reduce the landfilling of food and organic waste through prevention, recovery, and recycling
- Manitoba launched a Green Impact Bond to support diversion of organic waste from landfills and reduce future methane emissions
- Manitoba collaborated with industry and other levels of government to complete the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy (MPAS). The strategy uses industry engagement to identify key actions necessary to make Manitoba a sustainable protein supplier, including the collaborative development of ERPs and improved circularity within the supply chain
- Manitoba is also collaborating with the National Agri-Food Sustainable Index as part of the protein strategy's goals to measure and monitor the impacts on the sustainability from any production and processing investments within the province
- The province continues to collaborate with industry to support four Crop Diversification Centres (CDCs) conducting applied research and outreach activities on ERPs (for example, soil carbon sequestration, cover cropping, intercropping, rotational grazing)
Economy-wide
- The province is advancing government leadership measures across local government and institutions, including municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals
- The province is establishing a public sector GHG inventory
- Manitoba's temporary winter road system is affected by climate change and is a lifeline for many northern residents; the province has invested $9 million in providing 22 Manitoba communities access to supplies and essential goods
- Manitoba is committed to strengthening food security in northern Manitoba to reduce the impact of climate-related disruptions to supply chains and help build healthier communities. Budget 2021 committed $1.3 million for Manitoba's Northern Healthy Foods Initiative, which supports the development of culturally-relevant and healthy food systems for Indigenous peoples and their communities
- The province will continue to offer the Conservation and Climate Fund to support sustainable projects across the province that align with the ongoing implementation of Manitoba's Climate and Green Plan, including post-COVID-19 green economic development opportunities
Planned actions for 2030
Built environment
- The province plans to adopt RETScreen to track emissions and energy use at public buildings
Electricity
- In 2020, Manitoba Hydro and SaskPower signed a power purchase agreement that will see up to 215 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric capacity added to the SaskPower grid. The agreement will bring Manitoba Hydro's total exports to SaskPower up to 315 MW
- See reference to long-term energy strategy below
Transportation
- Following advice from the Expert Advisory Council, Manitoba has committed to working towards a province-wide Green Transportation Strategy to be delivered by December 31, 2022
- Manitoba will form a new working group to develop a progressive sustainable environmental strategy, with the primary aim of significantly reducing trucking-related emissions while enhancing the competitiveness of its transportation industry
Forestry, agriculture, and waste
- Manitoba is partnering with industry to advance the MPAS into Project ASPIRE, which will see industry lead the prioritization and implementation of sustainable protein production, processing, and distribution practices
- Manitoba is developing new agri-environmental programming for the Next Policy Framework (NPF), with a strong emphasis on GHG reduction and carbon sequestration
Economy-wide
- Manitoba's legislated five-year review and update of the mandated GHG emissions reduction goals will result in ongoing evaluation of potential actions to reduce emissions and progressive planning and implementation of those actions
- Manitoba was instrumental in launching ClimateWest, a central climate data and service hub for the Prairies headquartered in Winnipeg. ClimateWest is mandated to support people, communities, businesses, and governments in addressing climate change risks, vulnerabilities, and related challenges through planning and action
- Manitoba has recently approved 18 projects for municipal disaster prevention and climate resiliency and 296 fire prevention projects to build community climate resilience
- Manitoba has initiated vulnerability, risk, and opportunity assessments of core government operations as a forward-looking strategy that will provide the province with scientific, technical, and practical knowledge to plan and be prepared for the many impacts of a changing climate
- Manitoba is developing a long-term energy strategy that builds on the province's significant renewable electricity assets and focuses on greening transportation, industrial, and building efficiency. This strategy will provide critical forward-looking information, set provincial policy objectives on energy, and outline pathways to meet the province's future energy needs while reducing GHG emissions
- The province has approved $1.2 million for energy and hydrogen consulting work to be completed in the next two years. This work on energy and hydrogen supports Manitoba's efforts in developing a new provincial energy strategy
- Manitoba will implement adaptation initiatives necessary to manage the impacts of climate change, including increased frequency and duration of extreme weather events. The province will allocate resources to undertake ongoing climate change adaptation activities in areas including: data and knowledge acquisition; skills and capacity building; vulnerability, risk, and opportunity assessment; policy and program development, implementation, monitoring, and measurement
- Manitoba provides information, training, and support for municipalities to advance measures under the Climate and Green Plan and support their ability to access the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and other funding to advance green initiatives
- The province supports the activities of its Low-Carbon Government Office, including research, data collection, audits, and pilot projects to help government reporting entities identify opportunities and pathways to reduce GHG emissions and promoting sustainable operations
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
- Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
- Low-Carbon Economy Fund
- Climate Action Incentive Fund
- Strategic Innovation Fund
- Federal recognition of equivalency of Ontario's Emissions Performance Standard Program
- Federal Funding Commitment for the Wataynikaneyap Power Project
- In March 2018, Ontario and the Government of Canada announced a joint funding agreement to support the Wataynikaneyap Power project that included a $1.6 billion federal funding commitment upon project completion
- Federal recognition of Ontario's Sustainable Forestry Framework and practices
- Canadian Council of Forest Ministers
Key actions
Ontario is undertaking many climate change actions. Some examples of key actions are noted.
Built environment
- Harmonizing building codes across the country, and working with the federal government to reduce the number of differences between Ontario's Building Code and the National Codes
- Offering electricity, natural gas and energy reporting conservation programs, which help to meet energy system needs, keep energy affordable and reduce GHG emissions
- Supporting Ontario's natural gas distribution sector to launch an opt-in renewable natural gas program to help business and residential customers lower their carbon footprint in space and water heating
- Working with the federal government and other provinces on harmonization of efficiency standards for products and appliances
- Engaging on an ongoing basis with the federal government to coordinate delivery of Canada Greener Homes Grant with Ontario's energy conservation programs
Electricity
- Progressing through a $26 billion refurbishment program at Darlington and Bruce Nuclear Generating Stations which will secure more than 9,800 megawatts of reliable and GHG-free generation for decades to come
- Collaborating with Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Alberta, along with other partners, businesses and stakeholders, in order to advance small modular reactors (SMRs) as a clean energy option to address climate change and regional energy demands, while supporting economic growth and innovation
- Supporting the construction of the Wataynikaneyap Power project, an initiative to connect 16 remote First Nation communities to the grid and reduce reliance on diesel fuel, by providing a construction phase loan; the project is expected to avoid 6.6MT of emissions from diesel generation over the life of the project
- Ontario's Minister of Energy has asked the Independent Electricity System Operator to evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas generation and develop an achievable pathway to phase-out contracted natural gas generation and move to zero emissions in the electricity system
Industry, including oil and gas
- Launching in 2022 Ontario's emissions performance standards program for large, industrial emitters to ensure polluters are accountable for their GHG emissions. The EPS program is fair, cost-effective and flexible to the needs and circumstances of Ontario
Transportation
- Increasing the renewable content requirement in gasoline to 15% by 2030 while maintaining separate renewable content requirements for diesel of 4% through the Cleaner Transportation Fuels regulation
- Increasing the capacity of the public transit network with rail, light rail and subway expansions
- Greening Ontario's ferry fleet and providing communities in Eastern Ontario with more sustainable and efficient transportation options by procuring two hybrid-electric passenger ferries in Wolfe Island and Amherst Island
- Using various approaches to include climate change mitigation and adaptation opportunities in provincial highway design, construction and maintenance to reduce GHG emissions through adjustments to traditional approaches
- Working with Ontario Power Generation and Hydro One to launch the Ivy charging network, which will ensure electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is in place at all ONroute rest stops in the province and working with transit fleets to support their electric charging needs
- Made amendments to regulations in order to enable municipalities to directly finance with the Canada Infrastructure Bank including for the acquisition of zero emission buses
- There exists the possibility for financing of energy retrofits in the future
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Maintaining large, healthy, resilient forests, through sustainable forest management using a forest policy framework that is continuously updated with the best available science and supports climate change adaptation and mitigation
- The respectful consideration and application of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and practices will also be a part of Ontario's approach to maintaining healthy, resilient forests
- Implementing Ontario's Forest Sector Strategy, released in August 2020, that will enhance carbon sequestration through increased forest growth, carbon storage in wood products and substitution benefits associated with replacing less environmentally friendly products (for example concrete, plastics) with wood
- Working with rural and remote Indigenous communities to replace fossil fuel heating with biomass-based heating
- Advancing adoption of the industry led 4R Nutrient Management Program will help reduce on-farm agricultural emissions, and support Ontario in responding to the new federal fertilizer emission reduction target (30% below 2020 levels from on-farm fertilizer emissions by 2030)
Economy-wide
- Successfully issuing $9.45 billion worth of green bonds to capitalize on the province's ability to raise funds at low interest rates and help finance public transit initiatives, extreme-weather resistant infrastructure, and energy efficiency and conservation projects
Planned actions for 2030
Built environment
- Energy efficiency provisions in the National Construction Codes are planned for release in 2022 – when national requirements are adopted into Ontario's Building Code (expected to be in effect in 2024). Ontario will make meaningful progress in terms of energy savings and GHG emissions reductions, which will help Ontario advance towards net zero
Electricity
- Moving forward with plans to build Canada's first SMR at the Darlington site by 2028, pending regulatory approvals from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission; the Darlington SMR would provide reliable and emission-free electricity to help meet growth in Ontario's electricity demand including from increasing electrification of the economy
- Ontario Power Generation, Ontario's largest electricity producer, plans to have net-zero emissions by 2040 through such actions as advancing electrification initiatives, advancing SMR development and deployment for both on-grid and off-grid applications, continued investment in hydroelectric generation and nuclear refurbishment, exploring opportunities in non-hydro renewables and energy storage, investigating negative emissions technology, and supporting nature-based solutions and biodiversity initiatives to help provide offsets and support resiliency
Industry, including other fuels
- Developing post-2022 Ontario emissions performance standards for large, industrial emitters
- Support the electrification of steel production at ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Algoma Steel that will leverage Ontario's clean energy advantage, positioning Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie as world leaders in the production of green, low emission steel
- Developing a discussion paper on geologic carbon storage that explores legislative amendments to support the development of innovative technology in Ontario, including carbon storage
- Finalizing a hydrogen strategy for Ontario for release in 2022
Transportation
- Supporting a vibrant clean technology sector and investing in innovation, including matching $295 million in federal support for the $1.8 billion investment to retool Ford of Canada's Oakville Assembly Complex into a global hub for battery EV production
- The second phase of Ontario's automotive strategy, Driving Prosperity, aims to grow Ontario's auto sector by building at least 400,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually by 2030, and secure EV battery production in the province
- Investing an additional $56.4 million in the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network to position Ontario as a leading jurisdiction for new investments in EV, connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV), battery technology, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing
- Developing a critical minerals strategy to support Ontario's transition to a low-carbon economy both within the province and abroad
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Implementation of Sustainable Growth: Ontario's Forest Sector Strategy and key actions such as determining effects of a changing climate, maximizing the use of mill by-products, increasing wood use, supporting innovation in construction, promoting innovation and collaborating on carbon analysis that could contribute to emissions reductions on a provincial and national scale over the 10-year period of the strategy
- Continue to support Indigenous communities' bioenergy projects using under-utilized forest resources
- Encouraging climate change mitigation opportunities through sustainable natural resource management, such as relevant sustainable forest management policies, guidance, and manuals
- Considering opportunities to advance nature‐based solutions in Ontario's ecosystems and lands. For example, through restoring damaged and degraded forests, and enhancing sustainable forest management activities in Ontario's managed forests to support long-term forest health and reduction of GHG emissions; while ensuring that Ontario's forest sector and products continue to meet standards of responsible forestry
Economy-Wide
- Continue to issue green bonds to finance green projects
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 $6.7 billion, toward actions such as:
- Electrify the economy (transportation, heating of buildings, industrial activities)
- Support the development of strategic sectors in order to decarbonize the economy (for example industrial ecosystems around electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and batteries, and the diversification of renewable energy sources, including bioenergy and green hydrogen)
- Promote energy efficiency and responsible consumption
- Build Québec's resilience to climate change
- Support the involvement of partners in the transition in Quebec and internationally
- Develop and disseminate the knowledge needed to guide the transition
More information on detailed actions is available (in French only) here: Plan pour une économie verte 2030 - Plan de mise en œuvre 2021-2026.
Recently (December 2021), Quebec also banned oil heating in all new construction projects and encouraged residents to switch to more efficient electric home heating options.
In addition, at COP26, Quebec announced that it would not authorize any future fossil fuel exploration/extraction projects and plans to introduce legislation to end fossil fuel development this year.
Mesures prévues d'ici 2050
In 2020, Québec committed to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. A climate change advisory committee, established as part of a review of climate governance in Québec, will also support the Minister in identifying effective measures to strengthen Québec's climate actions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. For more information, please consult: Plan pour une économie verte 2030 - Plus de 1,131 G$ 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:
- Low Carbon Economy Fund
- Natural Climate Solutions Fund
- Building Regional Adaptation Capacity and Expertise
- Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
- Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan – Green Stream
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Climate Action Incentive Fund
- CLIMAtlantic
- Atlantic Loop/Clean Power Roadmap for Atlantic Canada
- Canada's Nature Fund - Protected Areas
- 2 Billion Trees Program
- National Trade Corridors Fund
- Climate Change Action Fund
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
- Expanded energy efficiency programming, including greater funding for low-income households (Action 33)
- Carbon neutral government by 2030 (Action 13)
- Continue to support the development of greenhouse gas reduction plans for communities, businesses and institutions (Action 114)
Electricity
- Over 40% of in-province electricity sales from renewable sources (Action 42)
- In 2021, approximately 80% of electricity supplied to New Brunswickers was clean and non-emitting
- Coal phase out by 2030 (Action 40)
- Expanded energy efficiency programming (Action 33)
Industry, including oil and gas
- NB Output Based Pricing System (Action 32)
- Extended reporting and GHG management requirements for large emitters (Action 52)
- Acceleration of Clean Technology Innovation (Action 105)
Transportation
- First fully connected province for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
- NB incentive program for new and used EVs and home chargers (Action 46 & 47)
- Efficient, low-carbon intermodal transportation (Action 48)
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Committed to double conserved land and freshwater and aims to reach 10% by 2021
- Since 1990, significantly increased the carbon sinks through forest and wetland management practices
- NB financially supports the adoption of on-farm beneficial management practices for crops and livestock
- All 6 regional landfills have landfill gas capture systems with 5 producing renewable electricity (Action 56)
Economy-wide
- Established the Climate Change Act (Action 2) and the Climate Change Fund (Action 117)
- Exceeded 2020 GHG emissions reduction target (Action 31)
- NB carbon tax and Output-Based Pricing System for large industrial emitters (Actions 32, 41 & 53)
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
- Establish Electricity Energy Efficiency Performance Targets
- Energy efficiency programs and financing mechanisms
- Switching to cleaner and renewable fuels
- Move towards net-zero energy-ready buildings
- Adoption of the latest National Building and Energy Codes for Buildings
- Continuing to invest in energy efficiency and fuel switching improvements in government owned buildings and fleet
- Plans to achieve Carbon Neutral Government by 2030
- Continue to support the development of greenhouse gas reduction plans for communities
- Training of tradespeople to support high performance building construction
Electricity
- Clean electricity by 2035
- Energy efficiency opportunities
- Resilient, reliable and distributed electricity
Industry, including oil and gas
- Electrification of industry, where feasible
- Continued industrial energy efficiency
- Clean fuels and clean technologies, such as renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and next generation industrial processes
- NB Output-Based Pricing System and revenue recycling
Transportation
- Continue incentives to increase deployment of ZEVs and associated charging infrastructure
- Improve freight movement and fuel efficiency and transition of freight trucking to zero-emissions
- Invest in cleaner, accessible public and active transportation
- Continuing to green the GNB vehicle fleet (carbon neutral government by 2030)
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Improve methodologies for estimating and reporting on forest and wetland carbon stocks
- Potential to incentivize further reductions from carbon sinks through carbon credits
- Enhance on-farm beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce GHG emissions
- Increase local food and beverage supply – Grow NB, Buy NB and Feed NB
- Increasing the efficiency of landfill gas capture systems
- Anaerobic digestion of organic waste to produce renewable natural gas
- Increase the diversion of organic waste generated and disposed
Economy-wide
- New Brunswick's Enhanced Carbon Pricing
- May include a commitment to net-zero by 2050 and associated approach to achieve the desired outcome
- Create the economic growth conditions that will enable businesses and industry to transition and grow in a decarbonized economy
- Strengthened investment attraction and investments in clean technology innovation and commercialization
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:
- Biofuels, Biogas and Hydrogen Production
- Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage
- Direct Air Capture
- Clean Electricity Production, such as SMRs
- Enhanced Natural Sequestration through enhanced forest and wetland management
- Innovation
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:
- to require any new build or major retrofit in government buildings, including schools and hospitals, that enters the planning stage after 2022, to be net-zero energy performance and climate resilient
- to encourage landlords who currently lease office space to Government to transition existing office space to meet net-zero energy performance
- to prioritize leased office accommodations in buildings that are climate resilient and meet net-zero energy performance starting in 2030
- to decrease greenhouse gas emissions across Government-owned buildings by 75% by the year 2035
Electricity
EGCCRA includes new goals to:
- have 80% of electricity in the Province supplied by renewable energy by 2030 and
- to phase out coal-fired electricity generation in the Province by the year 2030
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:
- develop and implement a zero-emission vehicle mandate that ensures, at a minimum, that 30% of new vehicle sales of all light duty and personal vehicles in the Province will be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, and to develop and implement supporting initiatives
- establish a Provincial Active Transportation strategy to increase active transportation options by 2023 and
- to complete core active transportation networks that are accessible for all ages and all abilities in 65% of the Province's communities by 2030
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:
- Implement by 2023 an ecological forestry approach for Crown lands which will have climate change co-benefits
- develop a Provincial food strategy for enhanced awareness of, improved access to and increased production of local food to achieve 20% consumption of local food by 2030
- expand extended producer responsibility and reducing the use of single-use plastics and
- reducing solid waste disposal rates to no more than 300 kilograms per person per year by 2030, building on Nova Scotia's long-standing leadership in waste diversion, with accompanying climate change co-benefits
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
- Nova Scotia has the most stringent economy-wide 2030 target for greenhouse gas reduction in Canada, and preliminary analysis shows that with planned actions the province will be on track to meet that target
- Currently, Nova Scotia operates a cap-and-trade program, which covers 86% of Nova Scotia's emissions. This carbon pricing system is in compliance with the federal benchmark requirements
- Nova Scotia is also making significant investments in clean growth within the province, including green infrastructure, community-led climate action, support for greening businesses and clean innovation, and incentives for businesses and not-for-profits to cut energy bills and improve competitiveness
- As Nova Scotia moves forward, its work is based on four principles outlined in EGCCRA: Netukulimk, sustainable development, circular economy, and equity. This means encouraging the growth of the clean economy while ensuring that all Nova Scotians benefit without jeopardizing the integrity, diversity, or productivity of the environment
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:
- 2 Billion Trees Program
- Active Transportation Fund
- Agricultural Climate Solutions
- Canada Greener Homes Grant
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Carbon Pollution Pricing Programming and Use of Proceeds
- Climate Action and Awareness Fund
- Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP)
- Green Infrastructure Fund
- Living Labs Initiative
- Low Carbon Economy Fund
- Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program
- Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
- PACE Maritimes (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
- Public Transit Infrastructure Fund
- Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
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:
- Improving the efficiency of existing buildings – EfficiencyPEI delivers a suite of programs, rebates, and information that help residents, businesses, communities, and industry reduce their energy consumption and switch to cleaner fuels. These include:
- Energy Efficient Equipment Rebates – rebates on heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, thermal storage, hot water heaters, biomass stove and biomass boiler/furnaces with larger rebates for low-income clients
- Home Insulation – rebates on attic insulation, walls, windows, doors, skylights, and air sealing with larger rebates for low-income clients
- Business Energy Rebates – businesses and non-profits rebated on eligible products like lamps, indoor and outdoor lights, heat pumps and occupancy sensors
- Community Energy Solutions – businesses, institutions, municipalities or non-profits are rebated for energy savings projects, including upgrades to heating systems, optimizing ventilation, thermostats and controls
- Winter Warming – free air-sealing and energy efficient upgrades to qualified low- to moderate-income Islanders
- Home Comfort – free energy audit and free energy efficiency upgrades (can include home insulation, windows, doors and heating equipment) to low-income clients
- Instant Savings – in-store rebates on eligible products (for example, LED lighting and fixtures, lighting control, power control, programmable thermostats, clotheslines, water measures, energy efficient fridges, toilets, washing machines, dehumidifiers, smart thermostats)
- Biomass Heating Program – government has installed biomass heating systems in public buildings, including schools and hospitals
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:
- Establishing nurse crops within commercial row crops
- Extending rotations with soil-building perennial rotation crops
- No-till planting of crops into green/living crops
- Willow planting in field edges or marginal/sensitive areas
- Installing liquid manure storage covers and
- Improving grazing management practices
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
- Adopt a provincial land-use planning framework that is developed, implemented and administered with the guidance of a team of registered professional planners and designed with a net zero lens
- Develop provincial land-use policies that promote sustainable development, including a built environment that supports public transit and active transportation
- Invest in 2 to 3 sustainable neighbourhood pilots that identify key findings related to improved community planning
- Mandate 100% use of non-fossil fuel sources in primary heating systems in new construction for residential and commercial buildings
- Be on the forefront of building code adoption and develop stretch codes where possible
Electricity
- Facilitate the switch to cleaner energy sources in Island homes, businesses, and government buildings
- Develop policies to ensure lower-income households are able to invest in high-efficiency technologies and benefit from energy-cost savings
- Support the development and successful implementation of energy performance labelling initiatives for residential and commercial buildings
- Lead by example through investments in 'net zero ready' new construction of government buildings in partnership with the federal government
- Conduct feasibility studies on the use of anaerobic digesters with organic waste and other materials and invest in demonstration projects that can be quantified and scaled up
- Continue to grow PEI's leadership in renewable energy generation and storage
Industry, including oil and gas
- Develop and promote comprehensive efficiency programs that assist companies with cost savings while reducing emissions
- Assist companies and industries in accessing energy audits that will support investment decisions for cost-effective solutions that will result in emissions reduction
- Increase investment in business and industry initiatives that contribute to cleaner processes and emission reduction
Transportation
- Invest in active transportation routes (for example, walking, using a wheelchair, running, cycling) across the province
- Grow the use and availability of affordable and dependable public transit in rural and urban PEI
- Establish a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate with a target to convert all new light-duty vehicle sales to zero-emission vehicles by 2035; develop interim 2025 and 2030 targets that will accelerate the achievement of the 2035 target
- Make the necessary levels of investment in public ZEV infrastructure to support a sustainable path to electrification, including for businesses and multi-unit residential buildings
- Convert the existing government fleet to zero-emission vehicles by mandating zero-emission for all new purchases of light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles with the goal of 100% zero-emission government-owned fleet by 2040
- Proactive investment in new technologies such as clean fuels that are not yet commercially available (biofuels, hydrogen)
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Continue to provide programs and supports that will help grow industry efforts to adopt leading best nutrient management practices
- Work with industry to successfully implement national priorities identified to meet Canada's 2030 emissions reduction target (currently set at a 30% reduction below 2020 levels in emissions from fertilizer by 2030); with incremental targets to be set for 2030 to 2040
- Invest in research and development, working with industry and researchers to support GHG-efficient farming technologies and approaches (for example, precision agriculture, irrigation, manure management, feed additives)
- Work with farmers to implement management practices to enhance the ability of croplands to absorb carbon
- Growth in the number of acres that use soil tillage best management practices, number of acres of perennial crops, and the number of acres of marginal farmland converted to forest
- Promote industry-wide adoption of proven and emerging technology solutions, such as precision agriculture, while working with researchers, government, and industry to support investment and promotion of use
- Leverage investment funds to accelerate the scale-up and adoption of agri-technologies in the early stages of development
- Work with land trusts to protect and conserve forested land, including to increase engagement of private landowners in the management and protection of their own property
- Invest in programs that provide benefits to landowners to maintain and enhance PEI forests
- Develop a land-use policy that designates resource land to be protected
- Work with industry to make PEI a leader in sustainable forest management practices, including through an industry-led organization established to promote cooperation and lead sustainable forest management practices
- Work with watershed groups, land trusts, and other community groups to facilitate planting projects throughout the province with a focus on low-forested watersheds in order to increase the annual number of trees planted by government and non-government groups to supplement and support private landowner efforts
- Increase capacity of PEI's provincial tree nursery through strategic investment in infrastructure
- Identify the best opportunities for carbon sequestration through the protection, expansion and re-establishment of wetlands. Implement wetland restoration projects
- Work with the federal government to develop a baseline of the amount of carbon stored in wetlands and ongoing measurement as a result of restoration efforts
- Investment in carbon capture and storage technologies applicable to PEI
Economy-wide
- Lead by example as government and adopt best practices to advance net zero priorities
- Continue to use the proceeds of carbon pricing for programs, incentives and rebates that make it easier and more affordable for households, including low-income families, and businesses to transition to cleaner and more efficient energy sources that lead to emissions reduction
- Communicate the direction of carbon pricing to the public to support decision-making that could be impacted by carbon pricing in the long term
- Develop and attract talent and a skilled workforce by supporting post-secondary institutions to deliver programs that develop the next generation of leaders and the skilled workforce necessary to support the growth of cleantech and climate change action programs and by providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, increasing workforce participation by underrepresented groups (including gender, ethnicity, race, culture), and attracting international talent
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:
- Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions
- Ensure Yukoners have access to reliable, affordable and renewable energy
- Adapt to the impacts of climate change
- 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
- Infrastructure, including buildings, transportation corridors and renewable energy production facilities have actions dedicated to them
Electricity
- 15 actions, focused on increasing renewable energy supply, supporting community renewable energy projects, and ensuring that energy systems are resilient
Industry, including oil and gas
- Yukon's primary industries are tourism and mining. Several actions in the strategy focus on these sectors directly
Transportation
- 28 actions, focused on public and active transportation, increasing zero emission vehicles, renewable fuels, resilient transportation infrastructure, and medium and heavy duty vehicles
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Yukon has relatively small forestry and agriculture sectors, however, several actions in the strategy focused on building resilience in these sectors
Economy-wide
- Building a green economy is one of four goals of the strategy. Actions are designed with consideration of building a green economy
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
- Provide low-interest financing to support energy efficiency retrofits to homes and buildings beginning in 2021
Electricity
- While aiming for an aspirational target of 97% by 2030, develop legislation by 2023 that will require at least 93% of the electricity generated on the Yukon Integrated System to come from renewable sources, calculated as a long-term rolling average
- Work with Yukon's public utilities to continue to implement the Independent Power Production Policy that enables independent power producers, including Yukon First Nations and communities, to generate and sell electricity to the grid
Industry, including oil and gas
- Establish an intensity-based greenhouse gas reduction target for Yukon's mining industry and additional actions needed to reach the target by 2022
Transportation
- Have at least 4,800 zero emission vehicles registered in the territory by 2030
- Require all diesel fuel sold in Yukon for transportation to align with the percentage of biodiesel and renewable diesel by volume in leading Canadian jurisdictions beginning in 2025, aiming for around 20%
- Continue to support municipalities and First Nations to make investments in public and active transportation infrastructure
Forestry, agriculture and waste
- Design and implement a system for Extended Producer Responsibility by 2025 that will make producers responsible for managing materials through the lifecycle of a product
Economy-wide
- Update the Government of Yukon's procurement policies and standards in 2020 to better support sustainable and local procurement
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
- Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework
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:
- Work together to find solutions: community engagement, participation and empowerment
- Reduce GHG emissions from electricity generation in diesel-powered communities by an average of 25%
- Reduce GHG emissions from road vehicles by 10% per capita
- Increase the share of renewable energy used for space heating to 40%
- Increase residential, commercial, and government building energy efficiency by 15%
- A longer-term vision: develop the NWT's energy potential, address industrial emissions, and do our part to meet national climate change objectives
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:
- Addressing the major drop in funding available as existing federal funding sunsets
- Investigating and assessing the technical feasibility, as well as the additional funding that would be required for the NWT to realistically meet any emissions reduction target beyond our current commitment of 30%, either before or after 2030
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
- Federal Benchmark for Carbon Pricing
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:
- The Renewable Energy Support Programs provides financial assistance to homeowners and cabin owners who wish to install renewable energy systems on their properties. This is being funded currently by GN budget but is looking to be funded by carbon tax revenue
- The Municipal Green Infrastructure Fund allows municipalities to apply for funding towards climate change projects, including energy efficiency retrofits and installation of renewable energy systems on municipality-owned buildings. This is being funded by carbon tax revenue
- The Nunavut Energy Management Program involves implementing energy retrofits on GN-owned buildings. This program is currently targeting the South Baffin and North Baffin regions and has received funding from the Low Carbon Economy Fund
- The Accelerated Replacement and Retrofit Program is renovating public housing units through the following measures: building envelope upgrades, hot water tank upgrades and furnace/boiler upgrades. Partial funding has come from the Low Carbon Economy Fund
- New District Heating System are being installed in Sanikiluaq and Taloyoak by Qulliq Energy Corporation. Funding for this project has come from the Low Carbon Economy Fund
- The LED Replacement Project by Qulliq Energy Corporation is replacing conventional streetlights with LED lights in all communities across Nunavut. Funding for this project has come from various government sources, including carbon tax revenue
- Qulliq Energy Corporation has been working with various levels of governments and stakeholders on alternative energy research in order to reduce its dependence on diesel
- The Net Metering Program by Qulliq Energy Corporation, allows eligible residential customers and one municipal account per community to produce their own electricity using renewable energy generation systems, and receive credit for any surplus power they send to the grid. This program enables interested customers to offset their energy use and help reduce their carbon footprint
- Commercial and Institutional Power Producers Program by Qulliq Energy Corporation allows commercial and institutional customers to generate electricity on their premise using renewable energy systems and to sell the power generated to QEC. This program promotes the use of renewable energy
- In addition to powering and heating isolated northern communities, Nunavut has remotely located mining facilities. Investigation of energy options between providers and industry consumers is the subject of a discussion forum to be held in February 2022
- EnergyWise is a GN-led public awareness campaign targeting Nunavummiut at home and in the workplace to reduce emissions by increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption
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.
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