By Andrew Thomson | UPDATED November 25, 2021 4:49pmET
Despite three decades of federal commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Canada remains the worst climate change performer among G7 nations since the 2015 Paris agreement, according to a new report from the federal environment commissioner.
Canadian emissions have increased more than 20% since 1990 and “action and results” are now needed instead of going “from failure to failure,” said Jerry DeMarco.
His report, tabled in the House of Commons this afternoon, calls for stronger leadership and co-ordination, reduced dependence on high-emission industries, better adaptation planning, and more public education.
DeMarco also concluded the $675-million Onshore Program of the Emissions Reduction Fund was “poorly designed” and that officials overestimated expected reductions in the oil and gas sector.
Watch the environment commissioner on PrimeTime Politics with Peter Van Dusen:
The Liberal government’s speech from the throne this week pledged to go “further, faster” on climate action, from emissions cuts to zero-emission vehicles to biodiversity protection.
Canada has committed to reduce emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by the year 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050.
Meanwhile, Conservative natural resources critic Michelle Rempel Garner spoke about Canadian energy workers and the speech from the throne:
The government has moved closure on the debate to re-introduce hybrid sittings and require MPs be vaccinated to enter the parliamentary precinct, including the House of Commons chamber.
The motion would formally implement the October vaccination order for in-person attendance agreed to by the Board of Internal Economy. Medical exemptions would need to conform with "guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health document entitled 'Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination' and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)."
A Conservative question of privilege is challenging the Board of Internal Economy's authority in issuing the order versus a vote of the full House of Commons.
Watch MPs debate hybrid sittings on PrimeTime Politics:
FOLLOW THE LEADERS
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole speaking to reporters after again criticizing the Liberal motion for hybrid sittings and the closure vote:
And NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh calling on the federal government to address Canada’s nursing shortage, joined by immigration critic Jenny Kwan and two Ontario health care workers:
