The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister Responsible for PrairiesCan, today issued the following statement following Royal Assent of Bill C-235.

December 15, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Bill C-235 received Royal Assent today December 15th, 2022. With the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, the federal government will be empowered to develop a framework for local cooperation and engagement in the implementation of federal programs across various sectors that will contribute to a sustainable Prairie economy that pollutes less, respects our environment and that leaves no one behind. Its passage as a private member’s Bill is the direct result of the passion, leadership and dedication of the late Honourable Jim Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, and reflects his vision for serving Canadians living in the Prairies, unlocking their full potential.

We know that the Prairie provinces contribute greatly to the Canadian economy, and various industries, communities and workers are making great strides in greening the Canadian economy. Jim Carr loved the Prairies, his city of Winnipeg, the province of Manitoba and every square metre of Canada. He understood that by bringing Prairie ingenuity and new voices to the table through cooperation, engagement and collaboration, new and innovative solutions will be locally-led, developed in communities all across the Prairies. This will help us make our economy more sustainable, create new jobs Canadian workers can count on and achieve a net-zero climate economy by 2050.

As the world continues to move toward a lower-carbon economy, a key question on which we must collectively focus is how to build on the Prairie advantages. The Building a Green Prairie Economy Act gives us that focus. With this Act, the Government of Canada will collaborate with provinces, municipalities, Indigenous partners, industry, and workers in building a green economy for our prosperous future. The Act requires the government to report to Parliament, in twelve months, on the progress it is making.

In everything he did, Jim Carr was a fierce advocate for the Prairies, and his passing will be felt throughout our community. We are all grateful for his vision in bringing this Bill forward and I am privileged to put his vision into action. Jim’s legacy will continue on, and I am honoured that the torch has been passed to me to lead on the implementation of my dear friend’s Bill.”

Associated Links

• Building a Green Prairie Economy Act
• PrairiesCan