Editorial: 5 Ways Canada is Leading in the Clean Economy
The fact is, we are seeing remarkable clean economic opportunities flourishing across different regions of our country. The growth of our low-carbon industries is not limited to one specific region or sector. From coast to coast, Canadian provinces and territories are capitalizing on their unique strengths to pave the way for a greener future.
As the Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, I have the pleasure of working with colleagues from every region of this country to study and determine the actions that are at the centre of Canada’s clean and prosperous future.
Certainly, we are experiencing transformative progress taking place in Canada’s clean economy. The federal government’s commitment to sustainable development and forward-thinking policies has positioned our nation as one of the best places to invest in this rapidly growing sector. This is thanks in large part to over six years of investments in strategic sectors, supported by programs like smart grids and infrastructure financing. In the newly passed Budget 2023, the government is building on this legacy by delivering both transformational and job-creating tax incentives for clean technology and a historic set of investments in the backbone of this clean economy: the electrical grid.
The fact is, we are seeing remarkable clean economic opportunities flourishing across different regions of our country.
An Overview of Canada’s Clean Economy
The growth of our low-carbon industries is not limited to one specific region or sector. From coast to coast, Canadian provinces and territories are capitalizing on their unique strengths to pave the way for a greener future.
“Clean economy initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also created numerous well-paying jobs for local communities.”
1. British Columbia’s Clean Economy
In my home province of British Columbia, the province’s leadership in clean technology innovation can be seen in our cutting-edge Carbon Engineering facility, where CO2 is being drawn out of the atmosphere. In terms of clean fuels, drivers in the interior can now benefit from the new federally-funded hydrogen refuelling station that opened recently in Kelowna. These clean economy initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also created numerous well-paying jobs for local communities.
2. Sustainable Agriculture in the Prairies
In the prairie provinces, vast expanses of arable land are being leveraged for sustainable agriculture and bioenergy initiatives. Through federal support, farmers have adopted innovative practices to reduce carbon footprints, harnessing biogas from agricultural waste and utilizing renewable energy sources to power their operations. These efforts have bolstered agricultural resilience while opening up new economic avenues for rural communities.
3. Electric Vehicles in Ontario
In Ontario, the automotive industry has embraced the electric vehicle revolution. Federal investments in manufacturing facilities and research and development have encouraged the production of clean, zero-emission vehicles, placing Canada at the forefront of this transformative industry. This shift to electric vehicles is not only reducing our dependence on fossil fuels but also positioning Ontario as a hub for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing, attracting international investors and creating skilled jobs for our workforce.
4. Offshore Wind in Atlantic Canada
In Atlantic Canada, the vast offshore wind potential along the coastlines is unlocking immense clean energy opportunities. The federal government’s commitment to supporting offshore wind projects will be on full display this fall as we move forward with C-49 to create this new sector, and we need industry to be ready to deliver good projects and good jobs. These developments are not only providing clean and reliable energy sources but also driving economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.
5. Investing in the North
In the North, where the impacts of climate change are particularly pronounced, the federal government is working hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities to promote sustainable resource management and clean energy initiatives. Investments in solar and hydro projects are reducing diesel dependency, improving energy security, and empowering local Indigenous populations with economic opportunities rooted in their traditional knowledge and connection to the land.
These examples represent only a fraction of the remarkable clean economic opportunities emerging across Canada. Through federal funding, incentives, and supportive policies, the government is fostering an environment where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and sustainable practices are rewarded.
“By championing the clean economy in various regions, Canada is attracting domestic and international investors, generating jobs, and reducing emissions.”
As we continue our journey towards a greener and more prosperous future, it is essential to recognize the invaluable role the federal government plays in creating an enabling environment for the clean economy to thrive. By championing the clean economy in various regions, Canada is attracting domestic and international investors, generating jobs, and reducing emissions, all while positioning ourselves as global leaders in the transition to a sustainable future.
The time to invest in the clean economy is now, and Canada is the place to do it. Our message to industry, workers, and communities is simple: Let’s seize this historic opportunity, working together to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all Canadians.
John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City
Published in The Future Economy
✔︎ Bill C-242, Reuniting Families Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents)
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The fundamental program changes sought in this Bill are in the best interest of Canadians and Canadian permanent residents.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-224, National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act builds on our commitments through the 2021 comprehensive Action Plan to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals released during household fires and the Minister of Health’s mandate letter.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill S-8 (Denying Entry to Sanctioned Individuals and Entities)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill S-8, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
Bill S-8 aligns Canada’s sanctions and inadmissibility frameworks to ensure that Russian individuals are entities who have been recently sanctioned due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Iranian individuals and entities who have been sanctioned for their support of terrorism and systemic and gross human rights violations are inadmissible to Canada. These changes will allow the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to deny entry to, and remove, sanctioned individuals, and will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officials to deny visas.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-9 (Judges Act)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Judges Act
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act strengthens the judicial complaints process to make the system less expensive and time-consuming.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-47, Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No. 1
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-47, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March, 28 2023.
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act enacts measures laid out in the Budget presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on March 28, 2023.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-22, Canada Disability Benefit Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-22, An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities by establishing the Canada disability benefit and making a consequential amendment to the Income Tax Act
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act will become an important part of Canada’s social safety net, alongside OAS, GIS, and the Canada Child Benefit. It has the potential to significantly reduce poverty for hundreds of thousands of Canadians with disabilities.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-54, Appropriation Act No. 2, 2023-24 (Copy)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-54, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act grants the Head of State, His Royal Majesty King Charles III, certain sums of money toward defraying the various charges and expenses of the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-55, Appropriation Act No. 3, 2023-24
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-55, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act grants the Head of State, His Royal Majesty King Charles III, certain sums of money toward defraying the various charges and expenses of the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill C-18, Online News Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-18, An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada.
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act supports a free, independent press and contributes to the sustainability of the digital news marketplace and the production of local, regional, and national news content. The Act ensures Canadians have access to quality, fact-based news at the local and national levels.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received