Adjournment Proceedings

An adjournment debate on climate change and the pace of government action. Elizabeth May of the Green Party said climate science shows irreversible changes are underway, including slowing ocean currents, and argued that reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is too slow to prevent damage; she also said the government is falling short of its climate commitments, citing missing emissions targets and citing comments by former minister Steven Guilbeault about the party’s platform. Parliamentary Secretary Wade Grant replied that the government is taking action, working toward net-zero by 2050, investing in nature protection, and helping communities prepare for wildfires, floods, and extreme heat, with policy guided by scientific evidence.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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2 statements

Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Liberal
“Our government is acting quickly on climate change. We are working toward net-zero emissions, spending $3.8 billion to protect nature, and helping communities prepare for floods and fires. Doing this now protects our environment and keeps our economy strong.”
  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build the strongest economy in the G7.”

    Said 15 times by 6 members since April 23.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

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.

Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Liberal
“Climate change is hurting Canadian communities through fires, floods, and extreme heat. Our government relies on science to guide our choices. We are still working to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, grow a clean economy, and make our communities safer from future damage.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, climate change is already affecting communities across Canada through increasingly severe impacts, including wildfires, floods and extreme heat. This is why climate policy must continue to be informed by the best available scientific evidence. It is both an environmental imperative and an economic necessity in a world that continues to decarbonize. The Government of Canada continues to support climate science, modelling, data collection and environmental monitoring to improve our understanding of climate change and its impacts. They are fundamental to understanding climate risks and informing decision-making. Canada remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We are taking a long-term approach focused on building resilience, supporting clean economic growth, protecting nature and creating the conditions for Canadians to benefit from reliable energy systems, cleaner technologies and more resilient communities for the future.

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