Clean growth and climate change working group reports
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On March 3, 2016 Canada’s First Ministers issued the Vancouver Declaration on clean growth and climate change. First Ministers agreed to develop a pan-Canadian Framework to achieve Canada’s international commitments in the Paris Agreement. They agreed to implement policies in support of meeting or exceeding Canada’s 2030 target of a 30% reduction below 2005 levels of emissions and transitioning Canada to a stronger, climate- resilient, low-carbon economy. A made-in-Canada plan to tackle climate change and grow the economy will cut across all sectors of Canada’s economy through a variety of measures, including putting a price on carbon pollution, seeking energy-efficient solutions for our buildings and vehicles, and making our electricity cleaner.
Four working groups, comprised of federal, provincial and territorial officials were established to develop options, considering the following:
- How and where to reduce emissions
- Ideas for new innovation, technology and job creation
- Pricing carbon pollution
- Preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change
Engaging Canadians
The working groups considered input from all Canadians. They met with Indigenous peoples and key stakeholders. They also reviewed the ideas and comments Canadians submitted online.
Options presented in the working group reports were discussed at meetings of Ministers of the Environment and Ministers of Innovation and Economic Development held in October and November 2016. On the basis of these reports, the Ministers proposed the basis for a Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which First Ministers will consider at their meeting in December 2016.
Working Group on Specific Mitigation Opportunities
The working group looked at how and where to reduce emissions across Canada's economy. The report includes a variety of possible policy options. These policy options are presented from a national perspective, but can help to inform decision-making by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The report includes estimates for emission reductions and costs. Other important factors are also examined, including possible impacts on the economy and Indigenous peoples.
- Working Group on Specific Mitigation Opportunities report (PDF; 1.43 MB)
Working Group on Adaptation and Climate Resilience
The working group examined how Canadians can prepare for the impacts of climate change. The report discusses ways to make sure Canadians have the information, skills, and resources they need to adapt. It looks at options for ensuring that Canada’s infrastructure can withstand climate impacts. It explores ways of keeping Canadians and our ecosystems healthy as the climate changes and building resilience in vulnerable places, like the North and coasts. And finally, it looks at ways to make sure we understand how climate change can affect how we protect Canadians from natural disasters.
- Working Group on Adaptation and Climate Resilience report (PDF; 1.71 MB)
Working Group on Carbon Pricing Mechanisms
The working group considered how pricing carbon pollution could reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. The report looks at carbon pricing practices in Canada and around the world. It discusses the benefits and challenges of carbon pricing, relevant design considerations and principles for a pan-Canadian approach. The report presents broad options for the role of carbon pricing within the pan-Canadian framework for clean growth and climate change.
- Working Group on Carbon Pricing Mechanisms report (PDF; 358 KB)
Working Group on Clean Technology, Innovation and Jobs
The working group examined how to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and drive innovation to transition to a low-carbon economy.
Its report presents options for building early-stage innovation, promoting breakthrough research and development, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering adoption, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success.
- Working Group on Clean Technology, Innovation and Jobs (PDF; 1.21 MB)
Provinces and Territories have already taken action to address climate change. Learn more about their activities by following the links below.
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