Minister Fortier and Minister Wilkinson Host Budget 2021 consultations with Leaders in the Clean Economy
News release
February 5, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada
Climate change is the biggest long-term threat of our generation, but it is also a significant economic opportunity. By accelerating action to fight climate change and building a clean economy, the Government of Canada will create new jobs, while also ensuring cleaner air and water for future generations.
That’s why, today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, met virtually with leaders in the Canadian clean economy to hear their ideas about how Budget 2021 can create growth, spur innovation and power our economy’s clean transformation once COVID-19 is behind us.
The meeting was part of the Government of Canada’s pre-budget consultations that are focused on listening to Canadians about the government’s plan to make smart, targeted investments to jumpstart the country’s economic recovery.
Minister Fortier and Minister Wilkinson asked participants about their ideas to build on Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan. When coupled with the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, this plan will do more to cut pollution in a practical and affordable way than any other climate plan in Canada’s history. It means that our country can exceed the 2030 Paris Agreement emissions reduction target and establish the building blocks to get to net-zero by 2050. The proposed plan will also enable Canada to continue to be an active player in the global fight against climate change.
All Canadians are invited to share their ideas through an online questionnaire at LetsTalkBudget2021.ca, which will be available until February 19, 2021.
Quotes
“COVID-19 has reminded Canadians of the importance of early, sustained action to address issues that threaten our daily lives. That is why our government has a growth plan that will continue to advance our progress on climate change while creating good jobs for the middle class in a resilient, post-pandemic greener economy. Today’s discussion with some of Canada’s clean growth leaders will help inform our government’s efforts to invest in climate solutions as part of our growth plan to create shared prosperity for all as we build back better.”
The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
“Canada has a plan that will help achieve both Canadians’ environmental goals and our economic hopes: clean air, clean water and long-term secure jobs while positioning Canadians to thrive in an increasingly low-carbon economy. Today’s discussion with clean growth leaders as a part of the Budget 2021 consultations will build on this plan, so Canada is positioned to thrive in a clean growth economy when the pandemic is behind us.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment
Quick facts
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Once the virus is under control, the Government of Canada will invest in a growth plan of roughly three to four per cent of GDP, between up to $70 and $100 billion, over three years, to jumpstart our recovery.
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Key to this stimulus plan will be smart, time-limited investments that can act fast and make a long-term contribution to Canada’s future shared prosperity, quality of life, competitiveness, and green transformation.
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The Government of Canada recently released its strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, which will help achieve our economic and environmental goals. The plan, supported by an initial $15 billion in proposed investments, will make life more affordable for Canadians, make communities more livable, and, at every turn, focus on creating jobs, growing the middle class, and supporting workers in a stronger and cleaner economy.
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The 2020 Fall Economic Statement proposed funding to support the economy’s clean and competitive transition by providing grants to help Canadians make their homes greener and more energy-efficient. It also proposed additional funds for the installation of new charging and refueling stations for zero-emission vehicles, and for large-scale clean power transmission projects.
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The 2020 Fall Economic Statement also proposed funding to support nature-based climate solutions, including to plant two billion trees, restore degraded ecosystems, protect wildlife, and establish a new Natural Climate Solutions for Agriculture Fund.
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Contacts
Media may contact:
Isabella Brisson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
isabella.brisson@canada.ca
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000
General enquiries
Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca