Canadian climate policy review 2013: Federal government pulls back and provinces work together
Canadian climate policy development stalled in 2013 due to a loss of political will at the federal level to move forward on greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations while the country’s provinces worked independently and in partnerships to pick up the slack. This is according to a new review of Canadian governments’ policies on climate change in 2013, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
WINNIPEG—March 25, 2014—Canadian climate policy development stalled in 2013 due to a loss of political will at the federal level to move forward on greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations while the country’s provinces worked independently and in partnerships to pick up the slack. This is according to a new review of Canadian governments’ policies on climate change in 2013, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
Regulating Carbon Emissions in Canada: Climate policy year in review and trends, 2013, written by Dave Sawyer and Philip Gass, explores how in 2013 the federal government was unable to make progress in developing various processes to regulate GHG emissions in the oil and gas sectors.
Sawyer and Gass note that several provinces filled this policy gap. They cite these success stories: Ontario’s advances on coal-fired electricity; Quebec’s cap-and-trade system with California; and British Columbia’s maintenance of its carbon tax.
The paper also looks forward and makes recommendations for 2014. It does not foresee strong federal movement when it comes to GHG regulations, however, is hopeful about the emerging role of the provinces. It recommends embracing the current patchwork of provincial policies that are continuing to emerge, designing equivalency to be flexible in the long term, and encouraging Canada’s provincial policy labs.
David Sawyer is an environmental economist with over 20 years of national and international experience and a solid reputation as a leader in the economics of climate policy and energy futures in Canada. He served as vice-president, Climate, Energy and Partnerships with IISD for two years until June 2013. Philip Gass is a project manager with IISD’s Climate Change and Energy program, specializing in climate change and energy policy at the sub-national and national level in North America and international developments within the UNFCCC process.
For more information please contact Sumeep Bath, media and communications officer, at sbath@iisd.org or +1 (204) 958 7740. -30-
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
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