Advisory Council on Climate Action releases final report

VANCOUVER, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians understand that a clean environment and a strong economy go hand in hand. The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy, creating good middle-class jobs, and taking action that ensures a safe climate, healthy environment, and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, and the Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, today received the Final Report of the Advisory Council on Climate Action. The report recommends steps that the Government can take to reduce carbon pollution in two crucial areas: the transportation sector and the building sector, which together account for over a third of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.

The Advisory Council's final report identifies a number of opportunities to reduce emissions and build a competitive clean growth economy that provides Canadians with good jobs. The Council identifies ways that the Government of Canada can strengthen market demand for building retrofits, including through enhanced government leadership. It also recommends stronger national action to ensure that zero-emission vehicles are available to Canadians and to encourage electrification beyond the passenger vehicle sector.

Quotes

"I want to thank the members of the Advisory Council; Steven Guilbeault, co-founder of Équiterre, and Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancity Credit Union, for their thoughtful work in providing recommendations to help build on the commitments of Canada's national climate plan. With the Council's expertise, we will continue to cut pollution, create jobs, and support clean growth. Cleaner transportation and more efficient buildings will help ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for our kids and grandkids."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"We appreciate the work of Advisory Council members and their expert advice on how we can further reduce pollution and encourage economic growth through building retrofits and the use of zero-emission vehicles. We know how important that work is; it's why in our latest Budget we made it easier and more affordable for Canadians to choose zero-emission vehicles, while also keeping sustainability as a central part of our National Housing Strategy. Whether it's helping people to get from place to place or building new homes for Canadians, we're thinking about cutting greenhouse gas emissions every step of the way."
– Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

Associated links

• Advisory Council on Climate Action
• Canada's Climate Plan

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada