Carney Government Avoids Commitment on Canada’s 2030 Paris Climate Goals

Prime Minister Mark Carney has avoided giving a direct answer on whether Canada will meet its 2030 climate targets under the Paris Agreement.

Speaking during a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador, Carney was pressed by reporters on how his government plans to adjust Canada’s climate policies, following recent announcements that scaled back some of the Trudeau government’s environmental initiatives.

The rollback includes eliminating the consumer carbon price and delaying the electric vehicle mandate by at least a year.

Instead of addressing Canada’s ability to meet its international climate goals, Carney emphasized his vision of making Canada “climate competitive”, noting that he wants all industries to transition into low-carbon sectors. However, he did not provide specific details on how his government intends to achieve the emissions reduction target.

A 2023 report by Canada’s Environment Commissioner highlighted that Canada remains well off track in reaching its pledge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

With the clock ticking, uncertainty looms over whether Canada can bridge the gap between ambition and action.