Net-Zero Challenge

The Net-Zero Challenge is a voluntary initiative that encourages companies to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Government of Canada is committed to reducing Canada’s emissions by 40% to 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and putting Canada on a path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal will require collaboration and innovation across all parts of society.

The Net-Zero Challenge has three streams of participation:

• Stream 1: Large emitters in industrial sectors
• Stream 2: Financial institutions
• Stream 3: All other companies, including small- and medium-size enterprises

Any business or organization operating in Canada can join the Net-Zero Challenge at any time. The following companies are the founding participants of the Challenge.

Participating Companies

Aviva Canada

Markham, Ontario – Stream 2 participant

“The Net-Zero Challenge is a great opportunity for businesses and industries to act with greater transparency and urgency when it comes to tackling the climate emergency. Words must translate into action. I urge every business leader to act  and be part of the solution. At Aviva Canada, we’re pleased to be a founding participant and leading the way with our own ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Fighting climate change is a team game. Only by acting together will we be able to accelerate Canada’s transition to a low-carbon future.”

– Jason Storah, CEO, Aviva Canada

BASF Canada

Mississauga, Ontario – Stream 1 participant

“BASF Canada is proud to join Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge. Now, more than ever, it’s important to collaborate and work together to help reach these shared climate goals. BASF is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and although this goal is ambitious, it is also achievable and crucial for a sustainable future. The work that the Government of Canada is doing with industry will bring us one step closer to a net-zero future.”

– Apala Mukherjee, President, BASF Canada

Cement Association of Canada

Ottawa, Ontario – Stream 1 participant

“Climate change is our industry’s most significant challenge. By charting a credible, transparent path to net-zero emissions, our industry continues its history of leadership in building the sustainable world of tomorrow. We are proud to be a founding participant in the Net-Zero Challenge. It is one more example of our pursuit of proactive partnerships with governments, the construction sector and civil society to support reductions in our carbon emissions by up to 40% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.”

– Adam Auer, President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada

CN

Montreal, Quebec – Stream 3 participant

“As a world-class transportation leader and trade enabler, CN handles more than C$250 billion worth of goods and carries more than 300 million tonnes of cargo annually and is proud to be moving all these products in a sustainable way. CN’s pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 aligns with the Government of Canada’s commitment. We will continue to decarbonize our operations and, in turn, will enable our customers to reduce their transportation supply chain emissions and support their and our growth in sustainable products and markets.”

– Janet Drysdale, Vice-President, Financial Planning and Sustainability, CN

Edmonton Regional Airports Authority

Edmonton, Alberta – Stream 3 participant

“The Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is excited to participate in the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With our Airport City Sustainability Campus, we are leading several initiatives to promote the decarbonization of aviation and airports, including building the world’s largest airport-based solar farm, driving the consumer adoption of hydrogen, and using nature-based solutions. Our Airport City Sustainability Campus is focused on spurring collaboration and fostering innovation to help reduce emissions, stimulate economic development and create green jobs for a sustainable economy.”

– Myron Keehn, Vice-President, Air Service, Business Development, ESG and Stakeholder Relations

General Motors of Canada Company

Oshawa, Ontario – Stream 3 participant

“General Motors of Canada is pleased to join Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge, and we look forward to working with government toward an electric future that includes everyone and becoming carbon neutral in our products and operations by 2040.”

– Marissa West, GM Canada President and Managing Director

Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Toronto, Ontario – Stream 3 participant

“As Canada’s largest airport, Pearson is committed to environmental sustainability. We have already significantly reduced our GHG emissions and we are committed to working toward our net-zero emissions goal. By joining this challenge, we reflect the aviation sector commitment to achieve net-zero emissions, and I commend the Government of Canada and Minister Guilbeault for this initiative.”

– Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Loblaw Companies Limited

Brampton, Ontario – Stream 3 participant

“Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing Canadians today. As one of Canada’s biggest retailers, we are determined to do our part. We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions for our business operations by 2040 and will work with our partners to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 for our Scope 3 emissions. We know that together, we can make significant progress over the coming critical years.”

– Al Burke, SVP Real Estate and Chair, Loblaw Carbon Working Group

Ottawa International Airport Authority

Ottawa, Ontario – Stream 3 participant

“The Ottawa International Airport Authority is excited to join Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge. Building on YOW’s ACI Carbon Accreditation Level 3+ achievements and the GHG reduction initiatives undertaken over the past 20 years, YOW is developing plans to achieve zero emissions in direct operations by 2040 with an even greater ambition to reach the goal by 2030—well ahead of the Challenge’s 2050 target. We look forward to working with partners from across the airport campus and at Hydro Ottawa to explore vehicle electrification, renewable energy generation and other zero-emission projects in our net-zero quest.”

– Mark Laroche, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority

Shell Canada Limited

Calgary, Alberta – Stream 1 participant

“Achieving net zero emissions for Canada as well as for our company is no small feat. Both require significant investment underpinned by broad collaboration between governments, industry and all levels of society. While we don’t underestimate the challenge, we are pleased to join the growing number of Canadian firms that share our commitment to be a net-zero emissions company by 2050, while also ensuring a reliable and affordable supply of low-carbon energy products that Canada and the world needs.”

– Susannah Pierce, Shell Canada President and Country Chair

Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver, British Columbia – Stream 3 participant

“We are proud to be a founding participant of the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge and joining others in decarbonizing our operations and industries. At YVR, we’ve committed to be a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 and we’re supporting our aviation partners to help them achieve their net zero targets for 2050. Through this challenge, we look forward to sharing the lessons learned in delivering our Roadmap to Net Zero and collaborating with businesses across Canada to promote a greener and more resilient future.”

– Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority

Woodfibre LNG Limited

Vancouver, British Columbia – Stream 1 participant

“We’re proud to be an original signatory of the Net-Zero Challenge and look forward to sharing our exciting plans to reach that goal soon. Government initiatives, such as the Net-Zero Challenge, are key drivers of innovation and new developments in Canada’s natural gas industry, and one of the reasons we will be able to share the world’s lowest-emission LNG with international markets that need it most.”

– Christine Kennedy, Woodfibre LNG President