Question Period Note: Energy Future

The economic downturn from the global pandemic has resulted in growing calls for countries to adopt ambitious “green recovery” plans. In the recent Speech from the Throne, the government committed to a plan to immediately exceed Canada’s 2030 climate goal and legislate its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Successfully managing the multi-decade transformation of Canada’s energy sector will be key to meeting these climate targets and maintaining a prosperous economy.

• Canada is committed to exceeding a 30 percent reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• Climate action is the cornerstone of our plan to support and create a million jobs across the country, and the energy sector will be at its forefront.
• Our comprehensive plan will:
o promote investments in renewable energy and next-generation clean energy and technology solutions, making Canada a world leader in clean technology;
o support manufacturing, natural resource, and energy sectors as they work to transform to meet a net zero future, creating good-paying and long-lasting jobs; and
o transform how we power our economy and communities by moving forward with the Clean Power Fund, including projects like the Atlantic Loop that will connect surplus clean power to regions transitioning away from coal.
• We are also helping Canadians directly by:
o creating thousands of jobs retrofitting homes and buildings, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses;
o making zero-emissions vehicles more affordable while investing in more charging stations across the country; and
o supporting the delivery of more transit and active transit options.

If pressed on previous actions taken by the government
• Our government’s plan to exceed our 2030 climate targets builds on significant energy efficiency measures we have already taken, including through the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
• We have invested billions in clean energy projects, innovative R&D, and key incentives and regulations that help to guide private investment, such as putting a price on carbon, implementing the Clean Fuel Standard, and mandating methane emission reductions.
• Budget 2019 also committed more than a billion dollars in new funding for energy efficiency, and we have been making additional investments in this area.
• Energy efficiency is the fastest and most inexpensive way to help build Canada’s energy future while meeting climate change commitments.

If pressed on Canada’s Plan to Achieve Net-Zero by 2050
• Our government has committed to legislating Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
• The transformation of energy production and use – the source of 82 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions – will be key to allowing us to reach this target.
• We have already taken important action and continue to work toward achieving this goal.
• This includes investments in clean energy manufacturing and deployment, supported by additional clean technology research and innovation.
• These investments provide opportunities to enhance competitiveness and create jobs by helping industrial and clean technology sectors position themselves for success in the future, low-carbon economy.
• Our government’s significant investments in energy efficient retrofits of homes and buildings also contribute toward this goal by reducing energy use in existing buildings.
• This will not only help us tackle GHG emissions, but will also help increase Canada’s energy resiliency while creating thousands of jobs, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses, and contributing to Canada’s economic recovery.

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