(OTTAWA) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says “the energy crisis launched by Russia” is pushing Canada into second gear in the fight against climate change.
Posted at 12:54 p.m.
That’s what he argued Monday at a press briefing in Toronto, when a reporter asked him if the effect of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation will slow the achievement of Ottawa’s climate targets.
“On the contrary, it gives us the motivation and the encouragement to go, instead, faster and to be more firm on the need to have this energy transition for […] no longer be dependent on oil and gas, ”replied Mr. Trudeau.
He noted that this need is manifested in Europe, where independence from Russia in terms of hydrocarbons is “in particular” necessary.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has until Tuesday to table in Parliament a new national plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The roadmap is expected to detail how Canada intends to achieve a reduction of between 40% to 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 emissions levels.
The requirement to submit a plan stems from Canada’s Carbon Neutral Accountability Act.
“Canadians will see a plan that remains extremely ambitious to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring the transition, support for workers,” Trudeau promised Monday about the announcement that will take place in Vancouver.