Carney government sidesteps questions on 2030 Paris climate target, affirming only 2050 net-zero goal amid rising political criticism.
Carney government noncommittal about Canada meeting 2030 climate goals
Federal position in question
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is avoiding a firm commitment to meeting Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement. The target calls for a cut of at least 40 per cent from 2005 levels by the end of the decade. The uncertainty comes as Ottawa reaffirms its legal requirement to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Environment ministry statement
On Monday, the office of Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin told The Canadian Press that the government remains committed to 2050 net-zero goals but did not confirm its stance on 2030. Press secretary Keean Nembhard said Ottawa would “provide an update” on its emissions plan, citing evolving global and economic conditions. He described meeting climate targets as “economically smart” and “essential” for Canadians.
Repeated refusals to commit
Monday marked the third time in one day that members of Carney’s cabinet declined to confirm the 2030 target. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly avoided a direct answer earlier, pointing media questions to Dabrusin. Carney himself, speaking in St. John’s during an announcement on tariff relief for Atlantic Canada businesses, did not directly address the target.
Focus on competitiveness over targets
Instead of discussing 2030 milestones, Carney highlighted the role of low-carbon strategies in boosting Canada’s economic competitiveness. He cited offshore oil and gas as a lower-carbon alternative to conventional extraction and said expanded housing construction would lead to more energy-efficient homes. He added that further details on climate plans would be shared “in the coming weeks.”
Policy shifts raise concerns
Since taking office in March, Carney has scrapped the federal consumer carbon price and delayed the electric vehicle sales mandate by at least a year. He has pledged to strengthen industrial carbon pricing but has not explained how these changes align with the Paris pathway. Environmental advocates argue the reversals undermine Canada’s ability to meet its 2030 obligations.
Previous warnings on progress
A 2024 report from federal environment commissioner Jerry DeMarco found Canada was not on track for its 2030 goal, with emissions only seven per cent below 2005 levels. The report urged immediate, decisive action to close the gap. The Paris Agreement allows no deferral of interim targets.
Opposition criticism mounts
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May accused Carney of dismantling key climate policies. She cited his first 100 days in office, including the carbon price repeal and EV mandate delay, as evidence of retreat. “These are not the decisions of a leader serious about the climate emergency,” May said Friday. Critics warn the lack of clarity on 2030 risks weakening Canada’s credibility abroad and slowing domestic climate progress.
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