MENU
01
Home
02
Services
03
Sectors
04
Team
05
Our Work
06
Updates
07
Careers
08
Contact
Services
01
Government Relations
02
Communications & Digital
03
Advisory Services
Sectors
01
Energy
02
Environment
03
Health Care
Updates
01
Insights
02
News
EN
FR
HomeServicesSectorsTeamOur WorkUpdates
EN
FR
insights
updates
November 19, 2020

Federal Government Tables Net-Zero Emissions Accountability

written by
Federal Team
Federal Government Tables Net-Zero Emissions Accountability

Today, Environment & Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson tabled legislation crafting the path to net-zero emissions in Canada by 2050. Bill C-12 is titled An Act Respecting Transparency and Accountability in Canada’s Efforts to Achieve Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by the Year 2050.

Minister Wilkinson announced details of the legislation alongside Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna and Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault. The legislation establishes a framework of accountability and transparency that lays out the groundwork to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Bill commits Canada to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and sets out five-year emissions reduction targets starting in the year 2030. To reach those targets, the Government will lay out emission reduction plans outlining details on measures to reach those targets, along with progress reports to be tabled in Parliament. An advisory panel of experts will be appointed to counsel the government on measures to reach the five-year targets.

Minister Wilkinson noted that in the weeks ahead, the Government will be releasing details of its clean growth plan and unveiling measures to support investment to drive the green transformation of Canada’s economy.

Details on the legislation follows.  

Emission Reduction Targets Beginning in 2030:

The Bill requires that national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada be set, with the objective of attaining net-zero emissions by 2050. The targets are to be set by the Minister of the Environment for 2030, 2035, 2040 and 2045.

The Bill does not set out a requirement for the five-year period ending in 2025. However, it would require that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change establish an emissions reduction plan for 2030 within six months after the Act comes into force. There is no mechanism within the Legislation that legally-binds the Government to reaching these targets.

Five-Year Emission Reduction Targets & Plans to Reach Them

The Legislation requires that an emissions reduction plan, a progress report and an assessment report with respect to each target be tabled in each House of Parliament. These Plans must contain:

  • The greenhouse gas emissions target for the year to which the plan relates;
  • A description of the key emissions reduction measures the Government of Canada intends to take to achieve the greenhouse gas emissions target;
  • A description of any relevant sectoral strategies; and
  • A description of emissions reduction strategies for federal government operations.


Advisory Panel on Additional Measures to Curve Emissions

The Bill would also establish an advisory body to provide the Minister of Environment and Climate Change with advice with respect to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, including on measures and sectoral strategies that the Government of Canada could implement, and any matter referred to it by the Minister, and to conduct engagement activities related to achieving net-zero emissions. Minister Wilkinson noted that the Panel would be made up of 15 experts.

Accountability

The Bill would also require that the Minister of Finance prepare an annual report respecting key measures that the federal public administration has taken to manage its financial risks and opportunities related to climate change. As well, the Bill would require the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to, at least once every five years, examine and report on the Government of Canada’s implementation of measures aimed at mitigating climate change.

No items found.
share article
Link copied
‍

RECENT POSTS

Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan
June 12, 2025

Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan

June 12, 2025: The Government of Ontario released Energy for Generations | Ontario’s Integrated Plan (IEP) to Power the Strongest Economy in the G7, formally signaling the need for immediate action and long-term planning. The plan aims to present a holistic policy strategy that will guide Ontario’s energy planners and regulators based on four core principles: affordability, security, reliability, and clean energy.

Bill 40: Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025 Introduced in Legislature
June 4, 2025

Bill 40: Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025 Introduced in Legislature

Yesterday, the Government of Ontario introduced the Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025. This legislation is reflective of several themes and priorities raised during the recent Ontario Election for the province’s energy sector, including affordability, energy security, economic growth, and domestic control.

Bringing Strategic Leadership and Energy Expertise to Atlantic Canada
May 29, 2025

Bringing Strategic Leadership and Energy Expertise to Atlantic Canada

Sussex Strategy Group, one of Canada's leading government affairs firms, is excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Parsons as Senior Counsel. A former senior cabinet minister in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew brings deep expertise in energy, public policy, and legislative strategy to Sussex, further advancing the firm's growing presence and capabilities across Canada.

view all
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
company
HomeTeamCareersContactTerms & PoliciesAccessibility
explore
ServicesSectorsOur WorkUpdates
follow us
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2020
Land Acknowledgement