Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change first annual report: annex I, status of all Pan-Canadian Framework actions

2.0 Pricing carbon pollution

Canada

In 2017, Canada began the implementation of the pan‑Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution through the:

• Release of the Government of Canada’s Technical Paper on the Proposed Federal Carbon Pricing Backstop (May 18, 2017) for public comment;
• Publication of additional guidance on the pan‑Canadian carbon pollution pricing benchmark (as follow up to the announcement on October 3, 2016);
• Provision of ongoing technical support to provinces and territories currently without carbon pricing systems such as modelling expertise, as requested;
• Completion of a study with the territories to find solutions that address their unique circumstances, including high living expenses  and of high cost of energy, challenges with food security, and their emerging economies;
• Ongoing discussions with Indigenous Peoples to find solutions that address their unique circumstances; and
• Initiation of a review to assess approaches and best practices to address the competitiveness of emissions‑intensive trade‑exposed sectors.

British Columbia

British Columbia’s carbon tax, in place since 2008 and currently set at $30/tonne CO₂e, will increase by $5/tonne per year starting April 1, 2018. BC will take measures to expand carbon pricing to include fugitive emissions and emissions from slash‑pile burning.

Alberta

Alberta extended the reach of its carbon pricing system this year to increase coverage across the economy. Starting on January 1, 2017 a carbon levy applies to transportation and heating fuels that emit GHG emissions when combusted. The levy rate is currently $20/tonne and will increase to $30/tonne in 2018. Alberta’s current Specified Gas Emitters Regulation will be also replaced in 2018 by an Output Based Allocation framework for large industrial emitters, which will regulate GHG emissions while protecting the competitiveness of Alberta’s trade exposed industries.

Manitoba

Manitoba has proceeded with developing a Made in Manitoba Climate and Green Plan that includes carbon pricing and specific priorities for addressing climate change, jobs, nature, and water.

Ontario

Ontario launched a cap and trade program in January 2017 and held its first auction of emission allowances in March. Ontario’s cap and trade regulations cover about 82% of emissions (including industry, electricity and fuels, excluding marine and aviation).

Québec

In 2013, in addition to its carbon levy in place since 2007, the Québec government implemented a cap and trade system that has been linked with California’s system since 2014. During the first two years of the program, industrial emitters and electricity producers were covered. In 2015, the Québec government terminated its carbon levy, when fuel distributers became covered by the cap and trade system. By the end of 2017, Québec and California will have held a total of thirteen joint auctions of GHG emission allowances. Ontario is also committed to join, and by 2018, the three governments are expected to have completed the necessary steps to link their cap and trade systems.

Nova Scotia

In November 2016, Nova Scotia announced an Agreement in Principle with the federal government on clean growth and climate change. In March of 2017, Nova Scotia conducted stakeholder consultation on cap and trade design options, and continues to draft quantification, reporting and verification (QRV) regulations. Nova Scotia plans to develop cap and trade program regulations and launch the QRV program in 2018.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick committed to introducing a carbon pricing mechanism during the current session of the legislature.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is evaluating carbon pricing mechanisms to determine which approach best meets provincial objectives. Feedback was solicited during provincial pre budget consultations. Required legislation and program delivery tools will be prepared in 2018. The carbon pricing mechanism will be launched in 2018.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador began operationalising its Management of Greenhouse Gas Act, which provides a legislative framework to reduce GHG emissions from large industrial emitters. Newfoundland and Labrador’s GHG Reporting Regulations were gazetted on March 7, 2017 and Administrative Penalty regulations on July 28, 2017. Large industrial facilities were required to report their emissions to the provincial government on June 1, 2017 and provide third party verifications by September 1, 2017. Moving forward, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to develop further regulations to support the full implementation of the Act.

Yukon

Yukon has been working closely with the federal government to study the impacts of carbon pricing on its communities, residents, businesses and industry, and how best to recycle revenue.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories released a Carbon Pricing Discussion Paper in July 2017 and held public consultations from July to September 15, 2017. The Government of the Northwest Territories will use the input received and the work with the federal government on impacts of carbon pricing to inform the design of a carbon pricing system and determine revenue recycling options.

Nunavut

Nunavut has been working closely with the federal government to study the impacts of carbon pricing on Nunavummiut. The study will support Nunavut’s policy decisions on carbon pricing and is expected to be complete in fall 2017.

3.0 Complementary actions to reduce emissions

3.1 Electricity

Increasing renewable and non-emitting energy sources

The federal government will publish draft regulations for the accelerated phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, as well as natural gas fired electricity performance standards. Preliminary discussions are underway between federal and provincial governments on equivalency.

Most provinces and territories advanced plans to increase clean electricity production, including new efficiency regulations in British Columbia, new programs and a renewable energy auction launched in Alberta, a new energy policy and action plan in Québec that aim to expand renewable energy, an enhanced net metering framework in Ontario, new plans to expand renewable energy in Saskatchewan, a new small-scale renewables program in New Brunswick, upgraded transmission lines to support wind power in Prince Edward Island, continued expansion of hydro in Newfoundland and Labrador and Manitoba, new efficiency investments and renewable energy R&D advancements in Nova Scotia, new work on power generation policy in Yukon, a new net metering policy in Nunavut, and a new 2030 Energy Strategy in the Northwest Territories.

Good progress is being made on negotiating the terms of $9.2 billion in federal transfers to provinces and territories for green infrastructure, a portion of which will support clean electricity infrastructure.

The federal government committed $200 million to deploy emerging renewable energy technologies; a call for proposals will occur in late 2017 and the program will start in April 2018.

Connecting clean power with places that need it

Federal infrastructure funding will support grid infrastructure. Provinces and territories will receive $9.2 billion in federal funding through Integrated Bilateral Agreements for priority green infrastructure projects, which could include better-connected electricity systems. At least $5 billion will be available through the Canada Infrastructure Bank over the next 11 years for green revenue generating infrastructure projects that are in the public interest, including those that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deliver clean air and safe water systems, and promote renewable power.

Under the Government of Canada’s Regional Electricity Cooperation and Strategic Infrastructure Initiative (RECSI), the federal government, along with some provinces, territories and utilities, are collaborating on regional studies to identify the most promising electricity infrastructure projects with the potential to achieve significant emissions reductions. Key projects include natural gas sector electrification in British Columbia, new non-emitting generation projects, and enhancement of transmission interties between jurisdictions.

Ontario and Québec, and Manitoba and Saskatchewan, respectively, have signed agreements to increase energy transmission across provincial boundaries.

Modernizing electricity systems

The federal government committed $100 million for smart grid deployment and demonstration; a call for proposals will occur in late 2017 and the program will start in April 2018.

Alberta is studying how to integrate more small-scale generation into its grid. Ontario is looking to expand its Smart Grid Fund and is also supporting microgrid demonstration projects. New Brunswick is looking to deploy advanced metering infrastructure. Prince Edward Island is studying how to maximize benefits from renewable generation, and Atlantic Provinces announced the Atlantic Clean Energy Partnership to enhance electricity infrastructure in the region.

Reducing reliance on diesel working with Indigenous Peoples and northern and remote communities

The federal government has allocated $220 million to fund projects that help reduce reliance on diesel; a call for proposals will occur in late 2017 and the program will start in April 2018. One of the challenges launched under the Clean Technology Stream of the Impact Canada Initiative will also support northern and remote communities to reduce their reliance on diesel.

The provincial-territorial Pan-Canadian Task Force on Reducing Diesel Use on Off-Grid Communities began work to develop a common vision for remote energy use and recommended enhanced federal, provincial, and territorial collaboration to find common solutions.

Alberta announced $35 million to fund community and solar energy projects in Indigenous communities. British Columbia is working with remote and off-grid communities to assess options. Manitoba is expanding geothermal and biomass in northern communities. Northwest Territories is setting a target for reducing diesel use and is working to expand solar and wind in remote communities. Nunavut is actively exploring opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of its diesel generators. Yukon is supporting its First Nations and communities improve energy efficiency and expand renewable energy.

3.2 Built environment

Making new buildings more energy efficient

The federal government allocated $99 million to develop net-zero energy ready building codes, including funding for RD&D projects. A number of provinces took steps to increase energy efficiency requirements for new buildings, including a new voluntary step-code in British Columbia, building code updates in Manitoba, adoption of the National Building Code by Prince Edward Island, and proposed coordination on codes and standards with British Columbia and California, Oregon and Washington. Alberta is undertaking a feasibility study to ensure that sustainable technologies are applied to new-build and retrofit projects to reduce emissions.

Retrofitting existing buildings

Most jurisdictions are supporting energy efficiency through policies, programs or incentives. The governments of the Atlantic provinces announced the Atlantic Clean Energy Partnership, which will promote energy efficiency, among other priorities. New Brunswick continues to invest in energy efficiency programs, including a retrofit program for low-income earners. Newfoundland and Labrador allocated $5 million for a Home Energy Savings Program and $4 million for a Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program. Prince Edward Island continues to offer programs to help Islanders reduce energy consumption, and is developing a district heating system. Manitoba is establishing a new crown corporation to deliver energy efficiency programs and services.

The federal government allocated $82.5 million to support energy benchmarking, standards and labelling. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to develop a common framework and online tool for measuring and sharing energy use data. Ontario has introduced new reporting and benchmarking rules for energy and water. It is also working to build programs to help hospitals, universities and colleges retrofit their facilities with energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. British Columbia plans to implement new performance standards to meet new energy efficiency targets.

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to identify building retrofit projects as part of the Low Carbon Economy Fund. Governments are also finalizing details of $9.2 billion in federal transfers as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a portion of which will support efforts to increase energy efficiency in new and existing public infrastructure.

Ontario announced a partnership with the Integrated Electricity System Operator’s Conservation Fund for an assortment of projects, from fuel cells for space and water heating to net-zero energy buildings. Ontario is also supporting the MaRS Discovery District in piloting the Green Building Certifications Inc.’s Investor Confidence Project protocols in the province and exploring how they can be adapted for the Canadian Market. Alberta is investing in government-owned building refits to increase the efficiency of mechanical and electrical equipment. Where feasible, solar panels are also being installed as part of the refit project to reduce demand on the electricity grid. The province also has approved a solar program for schools across the province.

Québec extended the RénoVert tax credit for an additional year, which will support household investments in the environmentally friendly home renovation sector and, as a result, increase demand for products and construction materials that meet recognized environmental and energy efficiency standards.

Improving energy efficiency for appliances and equipment

Federal, provincial, and territorial Energy and Mines Ministers released a strategy that sets energy performance goals for windows, space and water heating. Roadmaps will be developed for these goals in 2018.

The federal government amended the Energy Efficiency Regulations, updating efficiency standards for 20 product categories, with further updates for 17 more products expected in early 2018. British Columbia took regulatory action to allow utilities to increase incentives for high-efficiency equipment and also took steps to enhance standards for gas fireplaces and heat pumps. Ontario continued to update and set new efficiency standards for products. Québec tightened its energy efficiency standards for appliances. The federal government allocated $6 million annually to support energy efficiency standards and the Energy Star program for equipment.

Supporting building codes and energy efficient housing in Indigenous communities

The Government of Canada is planning a joint research project with the National Research Council to define guidelines to support sustainable housing in First Nations communities. Northwest Territories has committed over $2.7 million to provide energy efficiency programs and services to residents, businesses and communities.

3.3 Transportation

Setting standards and improving efficiency

The federal government continues to implement emissions standards for new light- and heavy-duty vehicles. In March 2017, draft amended regulations to implement emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

The federal government has made significant investments for transportation initiatives, such as in fuel-efficient tire standards, freight best practices, and the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) for infrastructure to help reduce congestion and idling.

Canada is also taking action to improve efficiency and support fuel switching in the rail, aviation and marine sectors. This includes voluntary action plans to reduce GHG emissions and increase engine efficiency in the rail and aviation sectors.

Canada is also working to reduce aviation-related emissions by implementing the internationally agreed carbon dioxide (CO₂) standard, working with international partners to finalize a revised non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) standard, and to finalize and implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Jurisdictions are taking collective action on a path forward for establishing retrofit requirements for heavy-duty vehicles. This year the federal government initiated preliminary research and analysis, which builds upon existing provincial and territorial efforts in their own jurisdictions. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are developing a work plan to consider options for encouraging greater use of fuel saving devices. In 2017, New Brunswick’s climate change action plan recognized heavy-duty vehicle retrofits as an action that will contribute to emission reductions, while Ontario and Québec announced funding for programs that support the adoption of fuel-saving devices.

A number of jurisdictions also took action to improve efficiency and support fuel switching in the rail and marine sectors.

Many other governments continued their work to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, including Québec’s regulation respecting GHG emissions for motor vehicles, British Columbia’s 10-year transportation plan and increased provincial funding for transit, and Prince Edward Island’s Enhancing Active Transportation Networks program and Sustainable Transportation Committee.

Putting more zero-emission vehicles on the road

A Federal-Provincial-Territorial Steering Group is overseeing the development of a Canada-wide strategy for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Together, governments have established several collaborative expert groups to provide advice on the development of a Canada-wide strategy, expected to be finalized in 2018. A ZEV technology cluster was initiated under the Canadian Energy Strategy. A report including analysis to date and a recommendation that the remaining work be undertaken collaboratively through the broader ZEV Strategy, was delivered to the Council of Federation and accepted by Premiers in June 2017.

British Columbia launched clean energy vehicles (CEV) charging infrastructure subsidy programs and a procurement program for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. British Columbia is also enabling utilities to invest up to $330 million to provide incentives for natural gas use in the heavy duty vehicle sector, including renewable natural gas and refueling infrastructure in the marine sector. Alberta is looking into barriers to ZEV adoption. Manitoba is expanding the use of electric buses. Ontario continues to expand its suite of ZEV incentive, information and pilot programs. Québec tabled draft regulations for a ZEV standard and has set a target to put 100 000 ZEVs on the road by 2020. New Brunswick installed 10 DC Fast Chargers and 21 Level 2 EV chargers. Prince Edward Island purchased the first EV for its government fleet, and is in the midst of an education campaign on the benefits of EVs. Newfoundland and Labrador released a Vehicle Efficiency and Cost Calculator to inform consumers about the costs and benefits associated with purchasing a fuel efficient and alternatively powered vehicle.

The federal government allocated $62.5 million in Budget 2016 (Phase 1) and $120 million in Budget 2017 (Phase 2) to support the deployment, demonstration, and development of enabling codes and standards for recharging and alternative fuels infrastructure. By March 2018, Phase 1 will be complete, resulting in the construction of over 100 new EV fast chargers, seven natural gas stations, and three hydrogen stations. It will also result in the demonstration of more than 200 next-generation EV charging stations in real-world settings, including public transit, passenger and heavy-duty vehicles, multi-unit residential building and wireless charging applications.

Shifting from higher- to lower-emitting modes and investing in infrastructure

Québec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, and British Columbia developed action plans that incorporate commitments and/or funding for infrastructure improvements that facilitate efficient multi-modal transportation or ensure transportation infrastructure is resilient and adapted to the effects of the changing climate. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Québec have signaled their commitment to electrifying transportation.

British Columbia developed a 10-year transportation plan and increased funding for transit; Alberta committed $1.53 billion to the Calgary Green Line LRT, an additional $176 million for a total of $600 million to support the Southeast Valley Line LRT in Edmonton as well as $305 million for municipal transit; and Prince Edward Island is expanding its sustainable and active transportation infrastructure.

The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund is investing $3.4 billion over three years to upgrade and improve public transit systems across Canada including investments in energy efficient buses, increasing accessibility of public transit, integrating alternative and active transportation into public transit systems and repairing transit infrastructure.

Through the $2 billion, 11 year National Trade Corridors Fund, Canada is also supporting investments in transportation infrastructure – including ports, airports, railways, border crossings – to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks to strengthen the efficiency and reliability of trade-related transportation systems in Canada.

Using cleaner fuels

The federal government published a discussion paper to inform development of a clean fuel standard to reduce emissions from fuels used in transportation, buildings and industry. British Columbia amended the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation to support the use of renewable natural gas. Québec is requiring 2% renewable content in diesel and 5% in gasoline. Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Ontario are investigating renewable and low carbon fuel options.

3.4 Industry

Reducing methane and HFC emissions

The federal government published draft regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, based on close collaboration with provincial and territorial governments on the approach. The federal government has also published final regulations on the phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Provinces and territories have also been active to reduce methane and HFCs. British Columbia has a pilot for a Clean Infrastructure Royalty Credit Program and the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act for liquid natural gas emissions intensity benchmarks. Alberta is using emission offset protocols to reduce industrial methane emissions, including the Quantification Protocol for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions from Pneumatic Devices. Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec continue their work in this area.

Improving industrial energy efficiency

New Brunswick is expanding its industrial energy efficiency programming. Northwest Territories is assessing the potential for industrial efficiency improvements, and Newfoundland and Labrador is setting performance standards to reduce GHG emissions from large industry.

The federal government launched the new Energy Star for Industry certification and challenge programs, and is working with British Columbia to provide joint incentives to implement ISO 50001 energy management systems.

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) North American Energy Management Pilot equipped industrial companies across North America with resources to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions.

Investing in technology

The federal government is investing $50 million in oil and gas sector technologies to reduce GHG emissions, including a $10 million investment in the Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre.

British Columbia launched a Technology Strategy, $100 million Tech Fund and a $27 million Cement Low Carbon Fuel Program, and made a commitment to establish an Emerging Economy Task Force and Innovation Commission. Québec invested in technology and innovation in several sectors including electric vehicles and green technology.

3.5 Forestry, agriculture and waste

Increasing stored carbon

The Low Carbon Economy Fund announced by the federal government supports new and expanded provincial and territorial actions to reduce GHG emissions, including through enhanced carbon storage in forests and agricultural soils. Approved provincial/territorial projects under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will launch in 2018.

British Columbia announced a $150 million investment to enhance the carbon storage potential of its public forests, and is also developing new tools for environmental farm management. Northwest Territories has launched a Forest Industry Development Strategy to provide guidance on further developing the forest industry. New Brunswick, Québec, British Columbia, and Alberta have been combatting pest epidemics through early intervention and monitoring, reforestation, and ongoing treatment of affected areas to limit the damage to forest health.

The Québec–Ontario Cooperation for Agri-Food Research Program is funding collaborative research on climate change impacts on soil health, food processing and food safety in order to develop best practices and adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Increasing the use of wood for construction

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments have made significant investments to increase the use of wood in construction. The federal government is investing $39.8 million over four years in the Green Construction through Wood Program.

Ontario is investing $4.8 million for the Mass Timber Building Project and Québec is investing $11 million for the Wood Building Demonstration Program.

A number of jurisdictions including Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Québec have Wood Charters or wood use policies that encourage the use of wood products in construction, and some provinces are increasing the use of wood and other low-carbon renewable materials in municipal and government-funded buildings. Some jurisdictions are also allocating funds for research, demonstration projects, and training programs on wood construction.

Generating bioenergy and bio products

Action has been taken to bring cleaner bioenergy to communities that rely on fossil fuels, including through federal investments of $55 million in support of bioheating as part of the federal Promoting Clean Energy for Remote Communities program. Ontario’s Wood Stove Exchange Program will offer financial incentives to homeowners in northern, rural, and Indigenous communities to replace existing wood heating or fossil fuel appliances with new, high-efficiency, modern wood heating systems. The Whitesand First Nation in Ontario aims to replace diesel power generation by constructing a combined heat and power cogeneration plant and a wood pellet plant.

Jurisdictions are also investing to increase Canada’s competitiveness in bioproducts and biofuels. Yukon invested $187,000 to support biomass development and New Brunswick’s Forest Biomass Policy enables facilities to consume residual forest products. Québec is leading the transformation and modernization of its forest products industry through, for example, its Wood Innovation Work Plan with over $86 million in government investments by 2022. Alberta has supported bioenergy and biofuels through investment in the Bioenergy Producer Program and development of emission offset protocols including the Biofuel Production and Usage Protocol and Energy Generation from Biomass Protocol.

Advancing innovation in GHG-efficient management practices in forestry and agriculture

The federal government has committed to invest in research and innovation to support the agriculture industry, including $70 million for science and innovation with a focus on climate change and soil and water conservation, funding for the adoption of clean technology by Canadian agricultural producers, $27 million for innovative projects to help farmers mitigate GHG emissions and $2.35 million to attract youth to green jobs within the agriculture and agri-food sector. The federal government is also helping evaluate potential climate impacts on regional agricultural production to build risk mitigation tools and support adaptation.

The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers released a Forest Bioeconomy Framework for Canada to promote the use of forest biomass for advanced bioproducts and advance innovation in the forest sector.

Provincial and territorial governments have also taken action within their jurisdictions. Alberta has a number of agriculture programs to address climate change, Saskatchewan continues to invest in research and development, New Brunswick has funding available for research on carbon sequestration in agriculture, Nova Scotia is hiring an on-farm energy auditor to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint, and Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec are developing a range of new programming related to agriculture and climate change. Yukon and Northwest Territories are assessing the impacts of climate change on agriculture and traditional foods in the north.

3.6 Government leadership

Setting ambitious targets

The federal government has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 40% by 2030, or earlier. Public reporting in July 2017 showed that federal GHG emissions decreased by 19% between 2005-06 and 2014-15.

In 2017, Canada released its GHG emissions inventory of federal operations online and will continue to report on progress.

Other actions from jurisdictions include Manitoba’s work to benchmark building energy and water use for government buildings, Newfoundland and Labrador’s greening government action plan, Nova Scotia’s policies to reduce emissions, Nunavut’s internal assessments of operations, Saskatchewan’s certification of green buildings and New Brunswick’s update of its green building policy.

Cutting emissions from government buildings and fleets

The federal government is investing in actions to reduce its emissions, including $1 billion to modernize heating and cooling plants in the National Capital Region, and $29.7 million for technical support to help federal organizations cut GHG emissions from their buildings and fleets.

British Columbia continues its commitment to be a carbon neutral government and has also launched a Wood First Act, a LEED Gold equivalent requirement for public sector buildings, and an EV charging infrastructure procurement initiative. New Brunswick is retrofitting public buildings and purchasing plug-in hybrid vehicles for its fleet. Québec plans to reduce the petroleum fuel consumption of the governmental and para-governmental light vehicle fleet. Under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Build Better Buildings Policy, new buildings strive for LEED Silver status. Northwest Territories has set a target for all new government buildings to exceed the National Energy Code for Buildings by 10%.

Scaling up clean procurement

The Government of Canada allocated $29.7 million to offer services supporting greening government operations.

Québec has committed to developing a tool to guide public procurement. As well, it has developed a plan for integrating eco-responsible performance criteria into public bidding processes, in order to increase the volume of environmentally responsible acquisitions in the public service.

3.7 International leadership

Delivering on Canada’s international climate finance commitments

Canada is taking an innovative approach to mobilizing private sector financing and partnering with multilateral development banks to help remove barriers to private investment. In 2017, Canada announced the $200 million second phase of the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia, administered by the Asian Development Bank. In 2018, Canada will finalize and announce additional agreements with partners to deliver and implement Canada’s climate finance commitment. It is expected that all agreements with partners will be finalized by the end of Fiscal Year 2020-21.

Québec decided to respond directly to the appeal by the United Nations to increase the international funding of climate actions in developing countries by announcing climate cooperation measures totalling $25.5 million, mainly for Francophone countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Acquiring internationally transferred mitigation outcomes

The International Mitigation Project Team completed work to assess opportunities and risks and to provide considerations to inform Canada’s approach to internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs). The International Mitigation Project Team report will be presented to Ministers of Environment at their 2017 meeting.

Engaging in trade and climate policy

This year, Canada co-sponsored a workshop on trade and climate change that was held on the margins of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE). The federal government continues to advance discussions on trade and climate change in the WTO, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and other international organizations.

Saskatchewan began work to investigate opportunities for offsets and ITMOs and to contribute to the development of Carbon Capture and Storage international standards.

In June 2017, Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy was launched, with Environment and Climate Action as a key area for action. The Policy recognizes that communities around the world, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, are experiencing the destabilizing effects of climate change and reaffirms Canada’s commitment to combatting climate change and its impacts.

Canada is leading and partnering to advance international initiatives under the Clean Energy Ministerial related to women in clean energy, energy efficiency (in industry, buildings, and appliances), electric vehicles, and smart grids. In 2019 Canada will host the Clean Energy Ministerial/Mission Innovation for the first time. By hosting this ministerial event, Canada is positioning itself as a global leader on clean energy and innovation and showcasing Canadian clean energy solutions, providing business opportunities for Canadian clean energy companies.

4.0 Adaptation and climate resilience

4.1 Translating scientific information and traditional knowledge into action

Providing authoritative climate information

The federal government has announced funding and is working with partners to develop the Canadian Centre for Climate Services. The Centre will provide authoritative climate information, data and tools to support adaptation decision-making in Canada.

Provinces and territories are advancing efforts to equip Canadians with the information they need, including future climate projections in British Columbia, LiDAR imaging data in New Brunswick, information and resources to support adaptation decision-making in Nunavut, regional climate modelling, monitoring, and updated Intensity Frequency and Duration Curves in Ontario, and climate-scenario research and services in Québec.

Building regional adaptation capacity and expertise

The federal government has launched and is working with provinces and territories to develop the Building Regional Adaptation Capacity and Expertise (BRACE) program. It will equip decision-makers with regionally specific knowledge and information, and provide training and capacity building activities that will enable them to apply available tools and information to take action to adapt to climate change. Provinces and territories are collaborating to build capacity on a regional basis (e.g., Atlantic and western provinces). Québec provided $12.7 million over three years to the Ouranos Consortium to support multidisciplinary applied research projects on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and the development of adaptation solutions. Manitoba is providing $400,000 for the creation of the Prairie Climate Centre to develop climate data to inform decision-making and address climate impacts.

Work will continue through Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform, with representation from governments, Indigenous organizations, and industry and professional associations, to engage the private sector to support investments in adaptation actions and build economic resilience, as well as help mobilize civil society and develop innovative adaptation solutions.

4.2 Building climate resilience through infrastructure

Investing in infrastructure to build climate resilience

The federal government has launched the Investing in Canada Plan, which will provide $9.2 billion to provinces and territories through Integrated Bilateral Agreements, including projects supporting adaptation and resilience; and $2 billion through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

The federal government also launched the $16.35 million Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative to support those responsible for federal transportation infrastructure assets in identifying and better understanding the climate risks to their assets, and the potential adaptation solutions that could be employed to reduce them.

Developing climate-resilient codes and standards

The federal government, in delivering the Climate Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure Project, is undertaking work to integrate climate resilience into new buildings and core public infrastructure, and is facilitating development of updated guidance and standards to support climate-resilient infrastructure decision-making.

British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Ontario are supporting the federal government in the development of climate-resilient codes and standards, including building codes and guidelines that support climate-resilient infrastructure decision-making within their jurisdictions.

4.3 Protecting and improving human health and well-being

Addressing climate change-related health risks

With partners and stakeholders, the federal government has taken concrete actions to prevent and prepare for heat-related illnesses. This includes the launch of a National Heat Health Community of Practice with key stakeholders, and the formal tabling of the Federal Framework on Lyme disease and action plan. The government continues to increase capacity to prevent, identify, and manage climate-driven infectious diseases as well as engage with key partners to support health research, monitoring and surveillance. In addition, the first call for proposals under the Infectious Diseases and Climate Change Fund was issued to address the impact of climate change on human health by building and increasing access to infectious disease-based evidence, education and awareness.

Provinces and territories are advancing efforts to protect human health. Québec, New Brunswick and Manitoba are taking steps towards developing surveillance and warning systems for heat. Québec has supported research to link the problem of zoonosis in the context of climate change and made efforts towards providing health authorities with tools to track adaptation to climate change. Yukon is monitoring the health impacts of extreme weather events and wildfires and Nunavut has increased awareness of the human risks associated with climate change in Nunavut.

Supporting healthy Indigenous Peoples

The federal government has supported community-based health adaptation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.

4.4 Supporting particularly vulnerable regions

Investing in resilient infrastructure to protect vulnerable regions

The federal government continues to engage Northern jurisdictions and stakeholders under the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative, and announced funding under the Investing in Canada Plan that will build resilience in vulnerable regions (i.e., Indigenous, coastal and northern communities).

Provinces and territories are advancing efforts to improve flood protection, including Manitoba’s commitment to invest $1 billion annually to improve flood protection, Yukon’s monitoring and surveillance of transportation infrastructure, Nova Scotia vulnerability assessments to inform dyke maintenance, and New Brunswick’s adaptation planning. Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut are supporting climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions.

Building climate resilience in the North

The federal government is working with provinces, territories, northern governments and Indigenous organizations to finalize the Northern Adaptation Strategy and continues to make investments through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program to strengthen northern adaptation capacities. The federal government renewed the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative to continue to build northern capacity and support the research and development of new tools and technologies for adapting northern transportation to climate change.

Provinces and territories are improving the resilience of northern infrastructure to the impacts of climate change, including transportation infrastructure in Ontario and Québec. Manitoba is facilitating the sharing of information and local knowledge in northern communities. Québec is monitoring ice movements along Nunavik coast and supporting projects to improve the resiliency of transportation infrastructure. The Northwest Territories is supporting adaptation planning in the North.

Supporting community-based monitoring by Indigenous Peoples

The federal government launched a new program to support community-based monitoring and the pairing of Indigenous Knowledge and western science.

Provinces and territories are working in close collaboration with Indigenous Peoples to support community-based monitoring and the sharing of Indigenous Knowledge. This has included efforts to support intergenerational dialogue with students in Nunavik in Québec, monitoring of traditionally harvested foods in Saskatchewan, building technical capacities of Indigenous Peoples in Ontario, and supporting community-based monitoring activities in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Supporting adaptation in coastal regions

The federal government will continue to provide scientific information and data to inform and improve predictions of climate change in vulnerable coastal regions through the renewal of the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program.

Provinces and territories are supporting efforts to identify and assess the vulnerability of coastal communities and infrastructure. British Columbia is updating flood plain maps and developing a Flood Hazard Strategy. Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon are improving monitoring capabilities in coastal regions. New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, and Québec are completing vulnerability assessments and/or supporting adaptation planning in coastal communities.

4.5 Reducing climate-related hazards and disaster risks

Investing in infrastructure to reduce disaster risks

The federal government, through the Investing in Canada Plan, will prioritize investments in infrastructure to reduce disaster risks and protect communities and continues to support provinces and territories through the National Disaster Mitigation Program including British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Alberta and Ontario are advancing efforts to support municipalities and communities in building long-term resilience to flooding and drought events. Québec is developing a framework (Cadre pour la prévention des sinistres 2013-2020) that helps municipalities prevent disasters, coastal erosion and landslides through adaptation planning. Nunavut is sharing best practices. Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Northwest Territories are prioritizing investments in infrastructure.

Advancing efforts to protect against floods

Under the National Disaster Mitigation Program, the federal government has advanced efforts to protect against floods, including the development and modernization of flood maps, the publication of the Floodplain Mapping Guidelines, and support for Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan in assessing flood risks.

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, and Québec have supported flood risk mapping, adaptation planning, monitoring and flood risk assessments to better understand, address and reduce flooding risks within their jurisdictions.

Supporting adaptation by Indigenous Peoples

The federal government continues to support the integration of climate information into decision-making processes through the First Nation Adapt program. The program works with First Nation communities to identify region-specific priorities, impacts and opportunities for climate change projects. The program prioritizes First Nation communities most impacted by climate change related to sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, and winter road failures. The program was expanded in 2017 to include a focus on floodplain mapping on-reserve.

Some provinces and territories are supporting Indigenous Peoples by supporting community-based monitoring of sea-ice in Nunavut, assessing the political processes and governmental structures for adaptation in Nunavik in Québec, and by providing training for community climate change champions in Yukon.

5.0 Clean Technology, innovation and jobs

5.1 Building early-stage innovation

Supporting early-stage technology development

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are supporting new approaches to early-stage technology development to advance research in areas that have the potential to substantially reduce GHG emissions and other pollutants. For example, the new Clean Growth Hub announced through Budget 2017 will support several clean technology actions across all stages of the innovation spectrum, including at the early-stage technology development.

The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth is working to identify breakthrough technology missions or challenge areas of new programs such as the clean technology stream of Impact Canada and other similar initiatives.

Provinces and territories are also taking action to build early-stage innovation. Examples include Ontario’s newly launched challenge to innovators to propose solutions to help Ontario industry reduce GHG emissions and its new program to fund costs of large-scale transformative research. Québec has a new Research and Innovation Strategy (SQRI) – Oser innover [Dare to Innovate] and is working under the Energy Policy’s 2017-2020 action plan to achieve a 25% increase in the number of technological innovation projects, funded between now and 2020. In May 2017, Québec also launched a $3 million call for proposals to create a research chair for the development of green technologies.

Mission-oriented research and development

The Government of Canada allocated $200 million in Budget 2017 to support clean technology research and the development, demonstration and adoption of clean technology in Canada’s natural resources sectors. The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth is working to identify breakthrough technology missions or challenge areas of new programs and to map existing assets, programs and infrastructure supporting mission-oriented RD&D. Alberta and the federal government are collaborating through the Alberta-Canada Collaboration on Clean Energy Research and Technology and the Energy Innovation Program to support new and clean technologies. Ontario recently launched the Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF) to help researchers, entrepreneurs and companies create and commercialize new, globally competitive, low-carbon technologies that will help Ontario meet its GHG emissions reductions targets. Alberta recently announced the Oil Sands Innovation challenge to reduce GHG emissions and improve cost competitiveness of bitumen production and announced funding commitments to 12 innovative methane-reducing technology projects.

5.2 Accelerating commercialization and growth

Access to government programs

The new federal Clean Growth Hub will be working to help clean technology proponents navigate federal clean technology programs. The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth is exploring how a new Canada-wide network of clean technology incubators and accelerators could broaden the support base for local companies, leverage expertise and resources in different regions and better connect new companies with established firms seeking innovative ideas, solutions and opportunities. Québec and the federal government partnered to offer services, namely through Entreprises Québec and Infos Entrepreneurs, to assist entrepreneurs.

Increasing support to advance and commercialize innovative technologies

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to enable access to capital for clean technology producers to bring their products and services to market. The federal government is supporting access to capital to help Canada’s clean technology producers grow and expand through new financing, funding projects across Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies that promote sustainable development, and through a suite of innovation initiatives in Budget 2017 to support Canada’s innovators. Alberta is working with the Business Development Bank of Canada on how to draft letters of intent, British Columbia and the federal government recently announced a partnership between the Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund and the SD Tech Fund^TM to support the development of pre-commercial clean energy projects and technologies, and Québec is working with SDTC to support innovation in energy and GHG emissions reduction in Québec as well as with Ecofuel Accelerator to support start-up companies working in clean technology. Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced new support for Nova Scotia start-ups in the ocean sector and clean technology. Québec also announced a new innovation assistance program which will cover development and commercialization of new clean technologies. Ontario is currently developing a CleanTech Strategy. New work was recently announced by firms in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario working to advance technology solutions for reducing GHG emissions and increasing energy efficiency in Canada’s oil sands.

Ontario’s Cleantech Equity Fund initiative is a $55 million investment that will focus on providing venture capital to high potential, innovative Ontario-based cleantech businesses. Announcements related to venture fund investments are expected in the near future.

Ontario has made further investments into its Cleantech Accelerator Network organizations, including the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy (CRIBE), The Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Bloom Centre for Sustainability, Green Centre Canada (GCC), Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC), and the Southern Ontario Water Consortium (SOWC).

The TargetGHG program is supported by a $74 million investment through Ontario’s Green Investment Fund. TargetGHG for industrial emitters addresses two key issues: the need to support the adoption of innovative technologies and the need for solutions that will help industry meet more aggressive future GHG targets. Project announcements are expected in the near future.

Strengthening support for skills development and business leadership

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to strengthen skills development and business-leadership capacity through a number of efforts. The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth is collaborating with other working groups to share information to support talent, skills training and development opportunities. Saskatchewan engaged the tech sector on skills shortages in information and communication technology (ICT), Québec developed a labour market strategy addressing clean tech sector needs, Ontario invested to help Indigenous communities address climate change and support economic growth and the adoption of clean technology solutions, and British Columbia held job fairs in Silicon Valley to attract high-skills talent.

The Government of Ontario invested $13 million in two initiatives to help Indigenous communities address climate change and support economic growth and the adoption of clean technology solutions. A $5 million investment from the Green Investment Fund is helping Indigenous communities with training, tools and infrastructure to address climate change. An $8 million investment is helping develop advanced micogrid solutions in First Nations communities, reducing the reliance on diesel and enabling clean energy solutions.

Expedite immigration of highly qualified personnel

The Government of Canada’s new Global Skills Strategy gives employers a faster and more predictable process for attracting top talent and new skills to Canada and the new Global Talent Stream allows companies access to a new streamlined hiring process. Québec is offering tax breaks for foreign researchers and experts to help businesses find employees with high-level skills needed to carry out their innovation projects.

Promoting exports of clean technology goods and services

The Government of Canada is working on an international business development strategy to support Canadian clean technology producers to become world leaders and capitalize on global market opportunities. The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth is working to establish a Pan-Canadian approach for clean technology export support to increase Canadian clean technology exports and growth of globally competitive Canadian clean technology producers, and is also working to develop Canada’s clean technology value proposition for foreign-direct investment targets. The federal and provincial governments are investing to provide Atlantic firms with training, intelligence and market analysis and in-market engagement activities through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy.

British Columbia is collaborating with Washington State to establish the Cascadia Innovation Corridor to help grow the high-tech, life sciences, clean technology, and data analytics industries across borders. Québec launched the 2016-2020 Québec Export Strategy which identifies priority actions to support clean technology and the International Climate Cooperation Program to support the transfer, adoption and deployment of clean technologies to developing Francophone countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Standards-setting

The Government of Canada is supporting the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to develop a strategy to support Canadian clean technology entrepreneurs through the use of standards to accelerate commercialization, time to market and secure access to a wider range of market.

5.3 Fostering adoption

Leading by example: greening government operations

Work is underway by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to develop action plans for greening government operations and encourage utilities and municipalities and other public sector entities to adopt clean technologies to lead by example.

The federal government is preparing to launch Innovative Solutions Canada, a new innovation procurement program announced in Budget 2017. This program seeks novel solutions to challenges issued by federal departments and agencies, which could include enhancing clean technology innovation.

The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth is working to promote innovation and better connect clean technology producers to opportunities. The working group is also developing a procurement resource toolkit that can be made available by provinces and territories to municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals to help them leverage existing green procurement initiatives or adopt similar practices.

The Atlantic Energy Gateway (AEG) is working to contribute to the development of Atlantic Canada’s clean energy resources by identifying the opportunities and assisting in evaluating the advantages of the region’s substantial and diversified renewable energy potential for wind, tidal, biomass/biofuels, and hydro.

Most provinces and territories are taking action to reduce emissions by greening government operations. British Columbia implemented the Carbon Neutral Government program and created a procurement concierge service to connect commercial-ready vendors to government buyers. British Columbia is working on policy options for increasing the use of low carbon building materials in new LEED certified public sector facilities. Saskatchewan is undertaking research and experiments into drought resistant cropping and the vulnerability of forests to climate change. Manitoba has a GHG emissions summary of government buildings and new guidelines for construction waste diversion and building air-leakage testing. Ontario is supporting technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the procurement and adoption of Ontario Clean technologies. Québec developed a plan for integrating eco-responsible performance criteria into public bidding processes and tools to promote public procurement of clean technologies. Québec is also investing in renewable energies for heating for schools and investments to improve energy efficiency. New Brunswick has a green procurement policy. Newfoundland and Labrador is working to accredit public buildings under the LEED sustainable buildings rating system. Prince Edward Island is striving to increase local production of energy, while being cost effective and reducing GHG emissions. Northwest Territories is investing in energy efficiency retrofits, and as an early adopter of biomass heating systems in government facilities, has stimulated the development of supply chains to remote communities, allowing others to switch to renewable wood pellets. Nunavut is studying potential options to green government operations.

Supporting Indigenous Peoples and northern and remote communities to adopt and adapt clean technologies

The Government of Canada and Ontario are working together to fund a new biomass and wood processing facility for Whitesand First Nation that will provide clean energy and jobs. The community currently burns diesel fuel for energy and the new biomass plant will provide a green energy alternative. The Government of Alberta is supporting Alberta Indigenous communities or Indigenous organizations to install solar photovoltaic systems on facilities owned by the community or organization. Manitoba co-hosted a Pan-Canadian Summit on Reducing Diesel in Remote Communities to identify options to improve access to diesel alternatives in Northern, remote and Indigenous communities. Québec has multiple initiatives underway, including a pilot project for energy recovery of residual materials in northern areas and the Residual Forest Biomass Program to promote the use of biomass instead of fossil fuels and announced the creation of a fund dedicated to promote the use of biomass in the north to replace fossil fuels. The province also committed to forming an advisory council for Aboriginal communities to improve consultation on energy issues. Nunavut continues to explore options that reduce dependence on fossil fuels for all of its remote communities.

Consumer and industry adoption

The Government of Canada is working to promote consumer and industry adoption of clean technology through the development and release of 10 new and/or updated ENERGY STAR® technical specifications, and adding electric vehicle chargers and smart thermostats to the program for the first time. Regulations were amended in fall 2017, updating or introducing new standards for multiple product categories.

Ontario recently announced the Green Ontario Fund, a not-for-profit provincial agency that will deliver programs and rebates to help reduce energy costs in homes and businesses. The new Energy Efficiency Alberta established by the Alberta Government has launched a number of energy efficiency programs to generate energy savings across residential and commercial sectors. Québec is also investing in several programs that promote energy efficiency and GHG reductions across various sectors of the economy, including EcoPerformance and Programme d'aide Écocamionnage.

5.4 Strengthening collaboration and metrics for success

Enhance alignment between federal, provincial, and territorial actions

The federal government is launching an online Clean Growth Collaboration Community to support Canadian clean technology innovators by facilitating interactions with the federal, provincial and territorial programs and services. The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Growth developed a Pan-Canadian vision statement on clean technology and clean growth that commits to improved program and policy collaboration and coordination across jurisdictions and institutions.

Québec is reviewing its financial support programs for business and innovation to harmonize and simplify its programming and is working with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to identify avenues for collaboration in the review of federal innovation programs.

Establishing a clean technology data strategy

The federal government has allocated $14.5 million to develop a clean technology data strategy and in 2017, consultations with provinces and territories, industry and other stakeholders were conducted via the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Clean Technology Data. Québec and Ontario are working together with Statistics Canada and the Subcommittee on the Federal Clean Technology Data Strategy to identify issues related to the definition of clean technology.

Cross-cutting

Canada

The Government of Canada is advancing meaningful engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation during the Pan-Canadian Framework’s implementation, including through three distinctions-based bilateral tables. As such, the tables provide opportunities for ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples in the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework and on broader climate change priorities.

In April 2017, Natural Resources Canada launched a national dialogue, Generation Energy, which invited Canadians to share their ideas and participate in building a vision for Canada’s energy future through online participation, in-person panels and workshops. The feedback received will help to define Canada’s energy future for the next generation, as Canada develops an energy policy direction to complement the work being done by the provinces and territories.

In October 2017, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadian and international stakeholders gathered for the Generation Energy Forum to discuss how Canada is preparing for the reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy economy of the future.

Generation Energy is encouraging a national conversation that invites often-unheard voices — including women, youth and Indigenous peoples — to help shape Canada’s energy future.

Alberta

Alberta continues to make progress on the implementation its Climate Leadership Plan. The Climate Leadership Plan is a made-in-Alberta strategy to reduce carbon emissions while diversifying the economy, creating jobs and protecting the province’s health and environment. The Plan was created to mitigate GHG emissions and to transition to a lower carbon economy.

Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan includes a commitment to reinvest revenues from the carbon levy into Alberta's economy, including standing up of Energy Efficiency Alberta, a new public agency launched in 2017 that helps Albertans increase the energy efficiency of their homes, businesses, and communities.

Ontario

Ontario is implementing its Climate Change Action Plan. The plan outlines the key actions the government is taking to combat climate change, create good jobs in clean tech and construction, increase consumer choice, and generate opportunities for investment in Ontario. In August 2017, Ontario also launched the Green Ontario Fund, a non-profit provincial agency with planned funding of $2.4 billion over the next 4 years funded through proceeds from the province’s carbon market. The fund is tasked with reducing GHG pollution in buildings and industry to help meet Ontario’s emission reduction targets.

Manitoba

Manitoba is establishing a new stand-alone Crown corporation—Efficiency Manitoba—to deliver energy efficiency programs and services in Manitoba.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has developed a 10-year Energy Strategy to reduce energy use, establish cleaner and locally produced energy sources and moderate future energy price increases. The Strategy is guided by three principles: lowering GHG emissions, cost-effectiveness, and creating local economic opportunities and will be implemented over the next 10 years.

Prince Edward Island is in the process of developing a new Climate Change Action Plan on Mitigation and Adaptation. This plan will include actions designed to reduce GHG emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and adapt to a changing climate. The Climate Change Action Plan on Mitigation is expected to be released in early 2018 and implemented over the coming years.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is implementing its new comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan – Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy, which commits the province to stronger action in both GHG emission reductions and in building resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia continues to build on the work outlined in its Climate Change Action Plan by further reducing its GHG emissions and adapting to the changing environment.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador has committed to developing a new Climate Change Action Plan and has undertaken public consultations to inform next steps.

Yukon

Yukon is in the first stages of planning a new integrated strategy for energy, climate change and green economy in partnership with Yukon First Nations and municipalities. The plan is expected to be released in 2019.

Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories committed over $2.7 million in 2017 to the Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) to provide energy efficiency programs and services to residents, businesses, and communities.

Québec

Québec is implementing its 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan. The plan outlines the government’s priorities and actions in the fight against climate change.

Québec is also modernizing its Environment Quality Act. The new provisions of the act will take into consideration GHG emissions as well as reduction and adaptation measures for all new projects requiring an environmental assessment.

Québec created the Transition énergétique Québec (TEQ) in 2017 to support, stimulate, and promote the energy transition, innovation, and efficiency, and to coordinate the implementation of all the programs and actions necessary to achieve Québec’s energy targets. Québec’s Research and Innovation Strategy will contribute to the development of economic solutions.

Saskatchewan

In December 2017, Saskatchewan released Prairie Resilience: A Made in Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy. The strategy focuses on developing policies to improve Saskatchewan’s readiness and resilience to climate change in key areas, including: natural systems, physical infrastructure, economic sustainability, community preparedness, as well as, measuring, monitoring and reporting. Beginning in early 2018, Saskatchewan will further develop the plan through consultation with stakeholders in industry, environmental NGOs, aboriginal groups, and communities.

Atlantic Provinces

The Atlantic Clean Energy Partnership was launched in 2017 to identify potential enhancements to electricity generation and transmission, to promote energy efficiency, and to support clean energy technologies.