Mark Carney evades confirming if he will achieve the 2030 climate goals

In the realm of climate action, Canada's progress and future plans are under scrutiny. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has yet to provide a clear update on the implementation of the 2030 GHG emission targets, with no official statement regarding any postponement or adjustment of the goals.

However, broader climate commitments by various governments aim for significant emission reductions by 2030. The federal government's focus, instead, is on "climate competitiveness" and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all industries.

One area where progress has been made is in the oil and gas sector. In 2024, Justin Trudeau's government imposed a cap on emissions that the sector can produce by 2030. This cap has been maintained by the current government.

Prime Minister Carney has also taken steps to promote cleaner energy. He has delayed the minimum sales quotas for electric vehicles that were supposed to come into effect in 2026. Furthermore, the government plans to double residential construction and build new hydroelectric dams to power data centers and artificial intelligence.

One contentious project is the Bay du Nord offshore project, approved in 2022 under strict conditions, including the protection of fish and migratory bird habitats. If it goes ahead, the project could generate 116 million tonnes of GHGs, making it one of the lowest carbon intensity projects in the conventional energy sector, according to Prime Minister Carney. The project has been on hold since its approval, but its promoter, the Norwegian Equinor, is continuing its efforts to get it back on track.

Canada has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 40% to 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, recent data shows that the country is still far from achieving this, with the increase in emissions from the oil and gas industry being a major reason.

The government's stance on the 2030 GHG emissions reduction targets set by Justin Trudeau remains unclear. Prime Minister Carney has not stated whether he still aims to meet these targets, and Industry Minister Melanie Joly has not specified what will happen to the interim target of 2030. Minister Joly has previously dodged questions about the 2030 target during an interview.

In other news, the Port of Montreal and DP World have not yet received the environmental permits to dig into the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. Meanwhile, a company controlled by an authoritarian regime will build and operate the Port of Contrecœur.

A new poll reveals ambivalence about Bill C-5, but not about environmental protection. Prime Minister Carney set the federal tax on fuels, known as the "carbon tax for consumers," to zero upon taking office last March.

Despite the challenges, Canada continues to strive for a more sustainable future. The government's efforts towards reducing emissions and promoting clean energy are a testament to this commitment. However, achieving the ambitious 2030 GHG emissions reduction targets remains a significant hurdle.