Adoption: December 2016 | Status: Active with evolving implementation

Comprehensive national climate strategy developed through collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments establishing coordinated approaches to emission reduction, clean technology deployment, and climate resilience. Framework pillars include carbon pricing mechanisms, complementary policies reducing emissions across sectors, adaptation and climate resilience measures, and clean technology innovation support.

Key Components:

• Carbon Pricing: Federal carbon pricing backstop ensuring minimum $65/tonne carbon price by 2023, rising to $170/tonne by 2030. Provinces implement equivalent systems through carbon taxes (BC, Quebec) or cap-and-trade programs (Quebec-California linkage). Output-based pricing systems protect trade-exposed industries while incentivizing emission reductions.
• Electricity Sector: Accelerate coal phase-out from 2030 to 2023-2024 in remaining provinces (Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick). Support renewable energy deployment, interprovincial grid connections, and smart grid infrastructure modernization.
• Building Codes: Strengthen energy efficiency requirements through progressive updates to National Building Code and adoption by provinces. Net-zero energy ready code provisions for new construction mandated by 2030.
• Transportation: Stringent vehicle emission standards, zero-emission vehicle mandates requiring 100% ZEV sales by 2035, infrastructure funding for charging networks, and clean fuel standards reducing transportation fuel carbon intensity.
• Industry Decarbonization: Output-based pricing systems, clean technology adoption incentives, carbon capture and storage support, and sector-specific emission reduction frameworks addressing cement, steel, chemicals, and oil and gas production.

Funding Programs:

Over $120 billion committed across programs including Low Carbon Economy Fund, Climate Action Incentive Fund, Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, and infrastructure investments supporting municipal climate action, Indigenous clean energy projects, and provincial initiatives.

Results to Date:

Emission trajectory bending downward with 2030 target pathway becoming achievable through enhanced policy measures. Renewable energy capacity expanded dramatically, coal generation declining faster than scheduled, electric vehicle adoption accelerating, and clean technology sector growing with over 200,000 jobs created in clean economy sectors.

Enacted: June 2021 | Target: Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

Landmark legislation enshrining net-zero commitment in law, establishing accountability mechanisms, milestone targets, and reporting requirements ensuring transparent progress tracking. Act mandates five-year emission reduction plans, independent expert advisory bodies, progress reports tabled in Parliament, and assessment of climate-related financial risks.

Milestone Targets:

• 2030: 40-45% emission reduction below 2005 levels (enhanced from original 30% target)
• 2035: Milestone target to be set by 2024 based on pathway modeling
• 2040: Milestone target establishing trajectory toward net-zero
• 2050: Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions achieved

Governance Structure:

Net-Zero Advisory Body comprising 14-16 independent experts from diverse sectors provides recommendations on pathways, policies, and emission reduction plans. Minister of Environment and Climate Change submits emission reduction plans and progress reports to Parliament ensuring democratic accountability. Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development audits implementation and reports findings.

Sectoral Focus Areas:

Oil and gas sector emission caps, electricity grid decarbonization maintaining reliability and affordability, transportation electrification across all vehicle classes, building retrofits and net-zero construction, industrial decarbonization through technology adoption, agriculture and forestry emission management, and waste sector methane reduction.

Just Transition Provisions:

Act requires consideration of impacts on workers, communities, and Indigenous peoples in transition planning. Companion Just Transition Act (under development) addresses workforce support, community economic diversification, and regional development ensuring equitable transition opportunities.

Enacted: August 2019 | Replaces: National Energy Board Act

Comprehensive reform of federal energy regulation establishing Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) with enhanced mandate including lifecycle oversight of interprovincial and international pipelines, powerlines, and offshore renewable energy projects. Act modernizes regulatory processes through timelines, early engagement, Indigenous participation, climate considerations, and lifecycle regulation from project approval through operations to decommissioning.

Key Reforms:

• Timelines: 300-day review for minor projects, 450-day review for major projects with limited extensions ensuring predictability while maintaining thorough assessment
• Early Engagement: Mandatory consultation with Indigenous communities, landowners, and stakeholders before formal application submission improving project design and addressing concerns proactively
• Indigenous Participation: Indigenous Advisory Committee, financial support for Indigenous participation in regulatory proceedings, and consideration of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making
• Climate Assessment: Project greenhouse gas emissions evaluated considering Canada's climate commitments, downstream emissions, and contribution to emission reduction strategies
• Lifecycle Regulation: CER authority extended through project operation and abandonment ensuring environmental protection, safety standards, and financial responsibility for decommissioning

Offshore Renewable Energy:

CER mandate expanded to regulate offshore renewable energy projects in federal waters including wind farms, tidal energy installations, and wave energy facilities. Regulatory framework addresses marine environment protection, fisheries consultation, navigation safety, and grid connection requirements.

Impact Assessment Integration:

Coordination with Impact Assessment Agency of Canada streamlines federal review processes while maintaining rigorous environmental, social, and economic analysis. One Project One Review principle reduces duplication while ensuring comprehensive assessment.

Implementation: July 2023 | Authority: Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Performance-based regulations requiring gradual reduction in carbon intensity of liquid fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel) used in transportation sector. Regulations establish declining carbon intensity targets creating market incentives for low-carbon fuel production, electric vehicle adoption, and advanced biofuel development. Flexible compliance mechanisms enable producers to meet requirements through various pathways including renewable fuel blending, electric vehicle charging, hydrogen production, or purchasing compliance credits.

Carbon Intensity Reduction Targets:

• 2023: 2.4 grams CO2e per megajoule reduction
• 2025: 6.0 gCO2e/MJ reduction
• 2030: 14.0 gCO2e/MJ reduction (approximately 15% below 2016 baseline)

Compliance Pathways:

Renewable Content: Blend biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol, or other certified low-carbon fuels. Electrification: Install EV charging stations or hydrogen refueling infrastructure earning credits based on electricity/hydrogen supplied. Advanced Fuels: Produce or import cellulosic ethanol, renewable natural gas, sustainable aviation fuel, or other advanced biofuels. Credit Trading: Purchase compliance credits from other regulated parties or voluntary credit creators.

Economic Impacts:

Regulations stimulate investment in renewable fuel production facilities, EV charging networks, and clean technology innovation. Modeling projects GDP increase through clean economy growth offsetting modest fuel price increases. Transportation sector emission reductions contribute significantly to 2030 climate targets.

International Alignment:

Regulations harmonize with California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Oregon Clean Fuels Program, and European Union Renewable Energy Directive enabling market integration, credit trading, and technology transfer. Canadian renewable fuel producers access expanded markets while domestic policies benefit from international innovation.

Released: December 2020 | Investment: $1.5+ billion federal commitments

Comprehensive strategy positioning Canada as global hydrogen leader leveraging abundant renewable electricity, natural gas resources, carbon capture technology, skilled workforce, and existing energy infrastructure. Strategy targets production of 50 million tonnes annually by 2050, creating 350,000 jobs, and generating $50 billion in annual GDP contribution. Focus areas include production technology development, distribution infrastructure, end-use applications in hard-to-abate sectors, export market development, and regulatory framework establishment.

Hydrogen Production Pathways:

• Green Hydrogen: Electrolysis powered by renewable electricity (hydro, wind, solar) produces zero-emission hydrogen. Priority regions include Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Atlantic provinces with abundant clean electricity.
• Blue Hydrogen: Natural gas reforming with carbon capture and storage produces low-carbon hydrogen leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise. Alberta leads blue hydrogen development with geological storage capacity and natural gas resources.
• Turquoise Hydrogen: Methane pyrolysis produces hydrogen and solid carbon without CO2 emissions. Emerging technology offers pathway utilizing natural gas without requiring carbon storage.

Priority Applications:

Transportation: Heavy-duty trucks, buses, trains, ships, and aircraft where battery-electric options face limitations. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer long range and rapid refueling. Industrial Processes: Steel production, ammonia synthesis, petroleum refining, and chemical manufacturing replace fossil fuels with clean hydrogen. Heating: Hydrogen blending in natural gas networks (up to 20%) and dedicated hydrogen heating systems decarbonize building sector. Electricity: Hydrogen combustion or fuel cells provide dispatchable generation balancing variable renewables.

Export Opportunities:

Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, and China commit to large-scale hydrogen imports supporting energy security and emission reduction. European Union develops hydrogen strategy creating additional export demand. Canadian projects explore liquefied hydrogen shipping, ammonia carriers (hydrogen vector), and pipeline exports to United States. Port facilities in British Columbia, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada position as hydrogen export hubs.

Regulatory Development:

Standards development for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and end-use ensuring safety and interoperability. Codes and standards committees address pressure vessel certification, pipeline compatibility, fueling station design, and building applications. Workforce training programs prepare technicians and engineers for hydrogen economy roles.

Target: Retrofit 1.5 million homes by 2030 | Investment: Multi-billion dollar programs

Comprehensive strategy addressing building sector emissions through energy efficiency improvements, fuel switching, and net-zero construction standards. Buildings account for 18% of Canadian GHG emissions through space heating, water heating, and cooling. Retrofit programs reduce energy consumption 20-50% per building while improving comfort, reducing operating costs, and creating skilled trade employment. Programs target residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings with tailored incentives and technical support.

Residential Programs:

Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up to $5,000 grants for energy efficiency retrofits including insulation, windows, doors, and heating system upgrades. Canada Greener Homes Loan: Interest-free loans up to $40,000 for deeper retrofits achieving significant energy savings. Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program: Up to $5,000 grants specifically for homeowners replacing oil heating with electric heat pumps in Atlantic provinces and territories.

Commercial Building Programs:

Canada Infrastructure Bank financing for large-scale retrofits, deep energy efficiency incentives for small and medium enterprises, and technical assistance programs providing energy audits and retrofit planning. Public sector buildings lead by example with federal carbon neutral operations target by 2050.

Net-Zero Building Codes:

National Model Construction Codes updated requiring increasingly stringent energy performance standards. Net-zero energy ready provisions for new houses by 2030 mandate insulation levels, airtightness, efficient mechanical systems, and renewable energy integration capability. Provinces adopt and enforce codes with some jurisdictions exceeding national standards.

Economic Benefits:

Building retrofits create jobs in construction, insulation, HVAC, energy auditing, and professional services. Skilled trades including insulators, electricians, plumbers, and sheet metal workers benefit from sustained program demand. Local economic multipliers amplify federal investments through supply chains, services, and induced spending. Homeowners realize long-term energy cost savings improving housing affordability while reducing emissions.