Elizabeth May

“Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to rise today during this early show. We are taking action as we speak. We recognize that Canadians are living through a period of economic, geopolitical and environmental disruption. With the impacts of climate change, including severe wildfires, floods and extreme heat; growing pressures on affordability and competitiveness; and the rising demands on our energy systems, Canadians are facing multiple challenges at this time. Climate action is a key part of how we build Canada strong. Achieving net-zero emissions remains our commitment and strategic economic interest of Canada, supporting the broader goal of building a stronger, more competitive, resilient and economically independent economy, and the strongest economy in the G7. We are advancing a cohesive approach to climate action that reflects today’s geopolitical and energy security realities: moving pragmatically and at a pace to advance decarbonization while working to make climate-smart choices the most practical choices for improving affordability, competitiveness, resilience and quality of life for Canadians. To us, climate action, adaptation and nature protection are interconnected. Canada’s forests, wetlands, oceans and other ecosystems help support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and provide important economic and social benefits. Our focus is on creating the conditions for long-term transformation, mobilizing investment, accelerating innovation and building the infrastructure and industrial capacity needed to support a competitive, resilient and low-carbon economy. We are doing this through other elements of our agenda. The national electricity strategy will electrify our economy while making life more affordable for all Canadians. The nature strategy is a $3.8-billion investment in protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. Our plan is advancing climate objectives along with broader economic objectives, laying the foundation for a cleaner, more competitive economy. At the same time, Canada’s national adaptation strategy emphasizes that reducing emissions alone is not enough. Communities must also be prepared for the climate impacts that are already occurring. The strategy provides a framework for advancing resilience in areas such as disaster preparedness, infrastructure, nature and biodiversity, health, and the economy. The costs associated with climate impacts will continue to rise, reverberating throughout Canada’s economy and driving up the cost of housing, food, energy, insurance and other essentials. This is why climate action cannot wait until future decades. The Government of Canada is moving with urgency to fight climate change while working together to build the energy security, industrial capacity and strategic autonomy that will define this century for Canada.”