Canada’s First Ministers have issued a joint communique and released the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which includes electric vehicle (EV) and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) plans, following the First Ministers’ Meeting.
According to the release, this framework builds on actions of provincial and territorial governments to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and identifies actions that will seize the many economic opportunities afforded by clean growth. The actions taken under the framework will contribute to meeting or exceeding Canada’s 2030 climate change target of a 30% reduction below 2005 greenhouse gas levels.
The framework outlines the following actions:
- Developing new building codes to ensure that buildings use less energy, saving money for households and businesses;
- Deploying more EV charging stations to support ZEVs, which is an integral part of the future of transportation;
- Expanding clean electricity systems, promoting inter-ties, and using smart-grid technologies to phase out the reliance on coal, make more efficient use of existing power supplies, and ensure a greater use of renewable energy;
- Reducing methane emission from the oil and gas sector;
- Protecting and enhancing carbon stored in forested lands, wetlands and agricultural lands; and
- Setting an example and driving significant reductions in emissions from government operations.
A focus on clean technology is a core element of the framework and through the actions identified, Canadian leaders can create new jobs, new technologies and new export opportunities.
In support of these efforts, the federal government, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, will be making historic investments in green infrastructure, public transit, and clean technology and innovation. This will include helping indigenous peoples and remote and northern communities reduce their reliance on diesel by connecting these communities to electricity grids and implementing renewable energy systems.
Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together to establish a review of carbon pricing, including expert assessment of stringency and effectiveness that compares carbon pricing systems across Canada, which will be completed by early 2022 to provide certainty on the path forward.
An interim report will be completed in 2020, which will be reviewed and assessed by First Ministers. As an early deliverable, the review will assess approaches and best practices to address the competitiveness of emissions-intensive, trade-exposed sectors.
Saskatchewan is not adopting the Pan-Canadian Framework.
