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OTTAWA Proposed legislation to support Canada reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 has cleared its first legislative hurdle.
Members of Parliament voted 210 to 122 in favour of sending Bill C-12 to a committee to be scrutinized.
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If passed as is, the Liberal government’s legislation would require that starting in 2030, Ottawa set rolling, five-year targets to cut greenhouse gas pollution, ending in 2050.
That’s when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged Canada will reach net-zero emissions, meaning all carbon-related pollution will be offset through green initiatives or stored through technologies instead of emitted into the air.
Stephanie Taylor May 04, 2021 - 1:35 PM
OTTAWA - Proposed legislation to support Canada reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 has cleared its first legislative hurdle.
Members of Parliament voted 210 to 122 in favour of sending Bill C-12 to a committee to be scrutinized.
If passed as is, the Liberal government s legislation would require that starting in 2030, Ottawa set rolling, five-year targets to cut greenhouse gas pollution, ending in 2050.
That s when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged Canada will reach net-zero emissions, meaning all carbon-related pollution will be offset through green initiatives or stored through technologies instead of emitted into the air.
The Conservatives voted against the bill and also put forward their own motion to quash it, which wasn t supported by other parties.
Ottawa has taken charge of the environmental assessment for the Ford government’s contentious Highway 413 project, but will leave a second controversial highway plan in Ontario’s hands.
The 413 which has come under increased scrutiny over its environmental impact in recent months will now be subject to a longer and more rigorous review. Many believe this effectively spells the end of the project. The planned highway, the subject of a
Torstar investigation published last month, would run through the protected Greenbelt. Canadians expect their governments to make decisions based on science and evidence that support environmental protection and economic growth, said federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson in a statement explaining the decision Monday.
Federal government to oversee Highway 413 environmental assessment
by Cormac Mac Sweeney, Lucas Casaletto
Posted May 3, 2021 1:43 pm EDT
Last Updated May 3, 2021 at 2:16 pm EDT
In Ontario, transportation is the biggest source of GHG emissions. Environmental Defence
This could be the beginning of the end of the Ford government’s Highway 413 project as the federal government is taking over the environmental assessment of the controversial proposal.
In a statement, Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says after consideration he’s decided to designate this project under the federal impact assessment process.
BREAKING: Federal Environment Minister is stepping in to put the GTA West project under the federal environmental assessment process. This is the @fordnation government’s Highway 413 project #cdnpoli#onpolipic.twitter.com/bILzAaZT9x
B.C. First Nation joins calls for Ottawa to step in on review of Alberta coal project
by The Canadian Press
Last Updated Apr 30, 2021 at 1:58 pm EDT
A British Columbia First Nation wants the federal government to join in the environmental review of a proposed coal-mining project in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
The Ktunaxa First Nation says Montem Resources’ Tent Mountain project would have effects beyond the provincial boundary.
It points out the project might dump waste rock and wastewater in B.C.
The Ktunaxa also suggest the miner tailored its project description to come in just under a production threshold that would require federal involvement.