(Ottawa) Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says his government’s new climate plan will be ready by March 29 at the latest.
A law passed last June requires the Government of Canada to make public its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction plan by the year 2030 within six months.
However, Minister Guilbeault indicates that the government intends to take advantage of the clause in the law which may grant it a period of three more months. This delay will allow better consultation with the provinces, Aboriginals and other interest groups on what the new plan should contain.
The law of last June was passed two months after the Liberal government raised its ambitions for 2030, raising the expected reductions in GHG emissions to between 40% and 45% of 2005 levels; the previous target was 30%. The law also provides that emissions will be zero in 2050, when they will have to be offset by natural initiatives or technology.
On the other hand, Minister Guilbeault intends to hold further consultations with the provinces and territories on important elements of his most recent electoral program, including the development of emission-free motor vehicles, the capture of emissions produced by the petroleum industries. and gas and the reduction of methane emissions.
Steven Guilbeault claims that the debate on the need to act in these matters is over. In his opinion, now is the time to discuss how to achieve goals, together.