Climate Action Ignored in Canadian Election Campaigns Amid Economic Concerns

In the current federal election campaign, discussions about climate action have taken a back seat to pressing topics such as U.S. tariffs and the rising cost of living. The Conservative Party's campaign platform mentions climate initiatives sparingly, only highlighting its ambition to grow Canada’s oil and gas industry. Under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, a Conservative government would expedite the development of pipelines and significant energy infrastructure, eliminate the emissions cap on oil and gas, repeal the carbon tax entirely, and endorse oil exports from Arctic ports. Additionally, they have plans to lift the ban on large oil tanker operations along the West Coast and double oil production in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While Mr. Poilievre suggests reforms to investment tax credits aimed at promoting cleaner manufacturing processes to reduce emissions, the focus remains heavily on fossil fuel expansion. The Conservatives and Liberals both aim to accelerate major energy projects, but the Conservatives demonstrate a more resolute dedication to increasing oil pipeline capacity, contrasting with Liberal leader Mark Carney’s cautious stance on potential pipeline construction. Carney's Liberal platform is more comprehensive regarding climate action but still hinges on growing the oil and gas sector sustainably. He envisions Canada as an energy superpower, balancing increased fossil fuel production with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Caroline Brouillette, the executive director of the Climate Action Network, critiqued both parties for lacking robust climate plans that effectively outline how they intend to manage Canada’s carbon emissions. She expressed disappointment in the missed opportunity for the candidates to present transformative economic visions in response to the climate crisis. Despite the federal government implementing a carbon pricing system in 2019, recent data shows that Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions have only marginally declined, failing to meet targets set for a significant reduction by 2030. The campaign has largely ignored these emissions goals, as both major parties shift focus towards finding new markets for Canadian oil, especially given the decrease in Canada's trading relations with the U.S.

The New Democratic Party has proposed a climate action plan that would eliminate financial incentives for the oil and gas industry, redirecting those savings towards energy-efficient upgrades for homes. Meanwhile, the Green Party takes a more stringent stance by advocating for a halt to all new fossil fuel projects and aims to create a national power grid focused on renewable energy sources.