CLIMATE

Canada?s Transition to a Low-Emission Future

Canada can achieve deep, long-term GHG emission reductions and meet the Government of Canada?s emission reduction targets. The use of market-based instruments to price carbon emissions, coupled with the right kinds of regulations, will get us there. Policy uncertainty will hinder the private sector?s ability to invest in the new technologies required. But with the right carbon signals and international environmental guidance, between now and 2050, Canada has the potential to both protect and enhance its national interests, while staying competitive.

Canada needs a strong, effective and efficient market-based policy that puts a price on carbon emissions ? such as an emissions tax, a cap-and-trade system, or a combination of the two ? to achieve a successful transition to a low-emission economy. Delaying action comes with unnecessarily high economic costs and environmental risk.

Five important "enabling conditions" should be reflected in Canada?s long-term climate change policy framework.

• Canada will have to act in concert with the world to address competitiveness issues.
• Policy certainty is critical to ensure predictability for new investments.
• Complementary regulatory policies are necessary to foster investment, technology deployment, and change consumer behaviour.
• Technology deployment is imperative, and will need to be wide-spread throughout all segments of the economy.
• An integrated approach to climate change and air pollution should be pursued, to reduce costs and improve health outcomes.

?Getting to 2050? takes a fresh look at the most effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while responding to Canada?s unique circumstances.

Start date: June 2006
End Date: January 2008
Status: Report released

Background Documents

Advice on a Long-term Strategy on Energy and Climate Change (June 2006)

News Release

January 7, 2008 - Canada needs economy-wide price on carbon emissions as soon as possible to achieve 65% reductions in GHG emissions by 2050 concludes National Round Table report

Meetings and Events

Experts Workshops ? Discussion on a Long-Range Macro-Economic Forecast for Canada (Macro2050) ? June 21, 2007 & July 10, 2007

Regional Stakeholders Meetings:

• Toronto, Ontario ? September 18, 2007
• Dartmouth, Nova Scotia ? September 19, 2007
• Calgary, Alberta ? September 25, 2007
• Vancouver, British Columbia ? September 26, 2007
• Montral, Quebec ? October 1, 2007
• ? October 2, 2007