Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Canada sets course for net-zero emissions by 2050 with proposed bill

Nov 19, 2020 | 1:41 PM

OTTAWA, ONT – 30 years from now, the federal Liberals hope to remove as much greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere as are being emitted.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Johnathan Wilkinson tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act into the House of Commons Thursday.

The proposed legislation would:

• Legally bind the federal government to a process to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
• Set rolling five-year emissions-reduction targets
• Establish the Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the government on the best paths forward
• Require Ottawa to publish an annual report describing how departments and crown corporations are considering the financial risks and opportunities of climate change
• Enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for net-zero emissions by 2050
• Provide for independent third-party reviews for accountability

In a Tweet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the goal “ambitious”, but that “it’s possible, it’s necessary, and it’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

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In the coming weeks, the federal government will announce an enhanced clean growth plan and spending commitments.

Wilkinson said in a media release that achieving net-zero emissions is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

“Reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions is what the science says we must achieve, and this 30-year project will require every future government to take actions to grow our economy while reducing emissions in every sector. This achievement is necessary to ensure our kids and grandkids can live in a world with cleaner air and water and to ensure our businesses maintain and gain a competitive edge by producing the low-carbon products the world wants to buy, well into the future.”

More than 120 countries have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 such as the U.K., Germany, Italy, France, and Japan.

There have also been several Canadian cities and provinces that have set similar targets including Guelph, Vancouver, Hamilton, Toronto, Halifax, Newfoundland and Labrador, and most recently Quebec.