Canada announces reduction in federal emissions during COP24

KATOWICE, Poland, Dec. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to leading on climate change action both at home and on the international stage.

The Honourable Joyce Murray, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government, shared Canada's progress at the UN Climate Change Conference COP24 where representatives from around the world are working to finalize the implementation guidelines of the Paris Agreement.

Canada is on track to reach goals set in its Greening Government Strategy. As of March 2018, Canada had reduced emissions from its federal operations by 32% relative to 2005 levels, a 4% improvement from last year's report. 

Canada's Greening Government Strategy was introduced in 2017. The strategy established climate and sustainability commitments for the government's operations, including a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from federal facilities and fleets by 40% by 2030 (or earlier) and 80% by 2050 relative to 2005 levels.

While in Poland, Ms. Murray met with officials from France as a follow-up on the France-Canada Climate and Environment Partnership established last April. She also met with representatives of Finland, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands to discuss ways our countries can collaborate to achieve the Paris Agreement's targets.

Quote

"If we're asking Canadians and other countries to partner with us to quickly address climate change, then we should lead by example. At home, we are doing our part by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from federal operations and transitioning to a greener, low carbon and climate-resilient economy."

- The Honourable Joyce Murray, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government

"This is incredible progress. It's proof that even large organizations with hundreds of thousands of employees can find ways to lower their carbon footprint. Cutting emissions is also good for taxpayers as the Government of Canada becomes more energy efficient, reducing heating, electricity and fuels costs. It just goes to show how investing in clean solutions saves money, supports good jobs, and reduces emissions, allowing us to create a healthier environment and stronger economy for our kids and our grandkids."

- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick Facts

• Canada's Greening Government Strategy, aligns with domestic and international commitments, including those found in the Paris Climate Agreement, the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
• The energy used to operate federal buildings creates most of the GHG emissions targeted for reduction. The government was able to reduce emissions by using cleaner electricity and improving energy efficiency at federal facilities.
• In April 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron committed to the France-Canada Climate and Environment Partnership to promote and quickly implement the Paris Agreement.
• This partnership includes actions to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency policies, programs and practices, such as green procurement.

Associated Links

• Canada's Greening Government Strategy
• Inventory of federal greenhouse gas emissions
• France-Canada Climate and Environment Partnership
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

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SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat