In front of a parliamentary committee on Monday, the federal environment minister affirmed the Liberal government’s commitment to achieving its 2030 emissions reduction targets, despite recent negotiations with Alberta regarding a potential bitumen pipeline. The minister, Julie Dabrusin, faced inquiries from Conservative and Bloc Québécois members regarding the government’s environmental policies and efforts to combat climate change.
When Bloc MP Patrick Bonin questioned Dabrusin in French about Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions target for 2030, she confirmed the commitment, emphasizing the ambitious nature of the goal. The Liberal government, signatory to the Paris Agreement, has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, as mandated by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.
In a recent MOU signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, conditions for federal backing of a bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast were outlined. Dabrusin clarified that any pipeline development would be contingent upon the implementation of Pathways Plus, an Alberta-based carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiative aimed at reducing emissions from the province’s oilsands.
Regarding the electric vehicle (EV) mandate, Conservative MP Carol Anstey inquired about the government’s plans. Dabrusin noted that the mandate, introduced by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, sets targets for the sale of zero-emission vehicles in Canada, with a gradual increase to 100 percent by 2035. She mentioned ongoing reviews of the mandate in light of industry concerns and emphasized that the government’s final policy decision will be released after the review is completed.
