Brief to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on how to strengthen Bill C-12, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act
In November 2020, the federal government introduced new legislation to help ensure that Canada meets its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While Bill C-12 is a tentative step in the right direction, the legislation as initially drafted is too weak to ensure Canada achieves its climate goals.
Drawing upon our earlier report, A New Canadian Climate Accountability Act, this brief identifies the key elements of climate accountability laws and suggests how they can be met within the structures and approach taken by Bill C-12. In each case we explain why the element is important and what amendments are required to achieve accountability.