Federal government launches advisory body to lead net-zero emissions charge

Canada’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has launched a net-zero advisory body of 14 experts from across the country who will advise on the best ways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The advisory body is a key component of the proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act which would enshrine Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 into law.

“Canadians expect us to take urgent action to address climate change to protect the planet and grow a cleaner and more prosperous economy,” Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of environment and climate change, said. “By providing expert advice on how we can meet Canada’s goal of getting to net-zero emissions by 2050, the net-zero advisory body will help ensure we can continue to meet the environmental goals and economic ambitions of Canadians at the same time.”

The advisory body is made up of 14 individuals with a diverse range of experience and expertise in business, policymaking, science and other areas, who will consult with Canadians and advise the Government of Canada. The group’s initial work will include a focus on identifying actions that set a strong foundation for achieving net-zero emissions while also growing the economy and enabling a strong and resilient economic recovery following the pandemic.

Reaching net-zero emissions will require support from all parts of society. The advisory body will follow a transparent and inclusive process to engage with and hear from provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous peoples, youth, businesses, environmental groups, and interested Canadians.

The advisory body will be a permanent resource. Its ongoing role will be to ensure its advice remains aligned with and adapts to the best available analysis, research, technological changes, scientific developments, and public perspectives. Its independent public reports and recommendations will inform the development of the emission-reduction milestone plans required by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

The advisory body will be co-chaired by Dan Wicklum, president and CEO of the Transition Accelerator, and Marie-Pierre Ippersiel, president and CEO of PRIMA Quebec.

Supported by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, the work of the advisory body will further demonstrate how serious Canada is about addressing the climate crisis and meeting the economic demands of global markets, now and into the future. The federal government states the transition to a cleaner, prosperous economy needs to be both an immediate priority and a sustained effort over the years and decades ahead, suggesting the only way to meet the long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 is for Canada to keep innovating, strengthening, building on existing measures, and enhance its ambition in the years and decades to come with Canadians.