Hon. Mary Coyle: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, last week, the United Nations Environment Programme released its Emissions Gap Report for 2022. This report highlights inadequate action by a number of countries on the global climate crisis. The report shows that, given its existing policies, Canada is not projected to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, to the Paris Agreement — the national target of 40 to 45% greenhouse gas emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2030.

This serious gap was identified by independent studies. Analysis by Climate Action Network Canada and Ecojustice Canada supports that conclusion. With COP 27 just around the corner, Senator Gold, could you tell us how and when the government plans to strengthen its climate plan in order to get us on track to meet those crucial 2030 targets?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The government is responding to the real climate crisis with an ambitious plan to stimulate a clean economy and create sustainable jobs. Indeed, it is an ambitious and achievable sector-by-sector path for Canada to reach our goals for 2030. The steps that are being put into place, that will evolve over time and start to bear more fruit are serious ones.

The plan itself is a product of broad consultation. Input was received from over 30,000 Canadians. It was widely received from the various sectors that were consulted.

The government remains committed to fighting climate change. It remains committed to evaluating the progress that it is making and remains confident that its plan can and will meet its targets.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. The government is, as I said, taking action to meet not only our 2030 targets, but also to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Currently, senators, you will know, I assume, that our electricity grid is over 80% non-emitting, and the clean electricity standard will allow Canada to decarbonize other parts of the economy like transportation and the heating of buildings.

The clean electricity standard will result in good and better jobs, cleaner air, existing electricity generation facilities transitioning to non-emitting sources and will ensure that any new power generation built in Canada is clean. The government remains committed to these goals.

On the clean electricity standard itself, to your question, I’m advised that implementation should start in 2024-25.