Canada faces challenges in meeting its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets by 2030, as recent data suggests the goal may be unattainable. Additionally, concerns arise over the diminishing Net-Zero Advisory Body, which now consists of only five members out of a potential 15. The remaining members have urged Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin to revitalize the group by appointing new members, stabilizing the budget, and holding regular meetings every two months. Some former members attribute their departure to the perceived lack of government engagement with the advisory group.
Catherine Abreu, a former member, expressed dismay over a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to support the construction of a pipeline transporting oil from Alberta to British Columbia for export to Asia. The deal, along with policy changes like the cancellation of the consumer carbon tax and the introduction of the One Canadian Economy Act, has raised concerns among environmentalists.
While Abreu criticizes the government’s shift towards focusing primarily on industrial carbon pricing for emission reduction, her colleague Michael Bernstein, who remains on the board, is more lenient towards the government’s decisions. Bernstein believes that amidst economic challenges and trade priorities, climate action should be a part of the broader agenda. He views the government’s current approach as an audit of past policies to ensure effectiveness and cost-efficiency, with a renewed emphasis on industrial carbon pricing.
Bernstein advocates for setting a high industrial carbon price, suggesting $130 per tonne, to incentivize clean energy investments and emission reductions. Rick Smith, from the Canadian Climate Institute, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a robust industrial carbon price to achieve emission targets. Recent government actions, such as reducing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and implementing methane regulations, indicate a continued commitment to climate goals.
Despite skepticism, Abreu hopes that the resignations from the advisory board will prompt Minister Dabrusin to address the group’s concerns. Dabrusin is expected to respond to the board’s recommendations as outlined in their annual report, which she received recently and plans to release publicly.