Governments publish progress report on first anniversary of made-in-Canada climate plan

OTTAWA, Dec. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - The Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced the first annual progress report on the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the first pan-Canadian plan to address climate change. The plan puts the country on the path to reducing carbon pollution, coping with the impacts of a changing climate, fostering clean technology solutions, and creating good, middle-class jobs that contribute to a stronger economy.

One year ago today, Canada's federal, provincial and territorial leaders adopted a made-in-Canada plan to take ambitious action to fight climate change and drive clean economic growth.

In the past year, governments have taken steps to support communities most affected by the impacts of climate change, such as fires, floods and extreme weather. Governments have also invested in climate solutions and clean growth, helping Canadians save money by using smarter energy solutions and moving towards pricing carbon pollution across the country in 2018.

The first annual progress report, released today, highlights how federal, provincial, and territorial governments, along with Indigenous Peoples, are working together to tackle climate change. While meeting the commitments made under the plan will require sustained work over several years, the report finds that governments' efforts to implement the plan are on track.

Canada's climate plan will help industry and all levels of government take firm strides towards meeting our 2030 climate commitments while fostering clean economic growth. As implementation proceeds, governments will continue to build stronger partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, based upon the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, and draw upon the views and expertise of Canadians in taking action on climate change.  The Government of Canada is collaborating with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation on climate action through three separate tables. The Prime Minister and national Indigenous leaders have committed to creating these permanent tables, which will each prepare periodic reports to provide updates, perspectives and proposals.

Quotes

"We've covered a lot of ground since launching our made-in-Canada climate plan one year ago, and we're starting to see results. We also know we have a lot more work ahead of us. By continuing to work together, across the country, we can tackle climate change while building a stronger economy and creating good jobs."  
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"At a time when the world is in the midst of an historic transition from the energy that powered our society for generations to cleaner, renewable sources, Canada is positioned to lead the way, thanks to our abundant resources and world-class expertise. We look forward to continuing to work with the provinces and territories and with Indigenous Peoples to meet our emissions reductions targets, grow the economy and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians."
– Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources

"Moving toward a lower-carbon economy presents tremendous opportunity to generate lasting, good-paying, sustainable jobs right across Canada. By working constructively and cooperatively toward common climate goals, we are now well positioned to build on the momentum generated over the past year. This will not only benefit Canadians, but it will also position Canada as a global leader in the fight against climate change."
– George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, British Columbia, and 2017 Chair of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment 

Related Products

• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Backgrounder

Associated Links

• Communiqué of Canada's First Ministers
• Statement by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the President of the Métis National Council, Clément Chartier
• Statement by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Perry Bellegarde
• Commitment to action by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed

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Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada