The federal government this week promoted a “Climate Competitiveness Strategy” as part of its annual Budget.
Describing climate-based action as both a “moral responsibility” and an “economic necessity,” the Canadian government has officially laid out a formal strategy which involves investment across clean sectors to meet rising demand for low-carbon energy.
Through proper leveraging of our country’s natural resources and innovation in technology, the government boldly states that the Climate Competitiveness Strategy “will help Canada build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“The Climate Competitiveness Strategy is about betting on ourselves—on Canadian ingenuity, clean energy, and the workers and businesses that will drive the next generation of growth and prosperity,” commented prime minister Mark Carney.
Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, was more blunt with her comments.
“Canada must act with urgency,” the climate minister said. “At this critical moment, we have a choice: lead—and seize the opportunities of the energy transition—or get left behind.”
With the Climate Competitiveness Strategy, Dabrusin says “we are positioning climate action and economic growth as inseparable, aiming to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more competitive Canada for decades to come.”
The Climate Competitiveness Strategy complements the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, according to the government, and does not replace it.
The strategy outlines whole-of-government action to mobilize both public and private sector capital, including investment tax credits, sustainable investment guidelines, and Carbon Contracts for Difference through the Canada Growth Fund.
The Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, suggested in a statement that a “healthy climate brings substantial–and immediate–health benefits,” although she did not define “healthy climate” or outline specific benefits.
Claude Guay, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, believes that “by investing in clean energy and innovation, we’re strengthening our economy, creating good jobs, and taking real action on climate change.”
Emmanuella Lambropoulos, a Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent, agrees.
“Canada’s path to net zero depends on innovation right here at home,” Lambropoulos posits. “We can produce more, grow more, and do it responsibly.”
In 2024, global investments in clean energy approached $3 trillion.