Based on coverage from CBC, Toronto Star, Sudbury.com, Peterborough Examiner, and Brandon Sun.
Resignations Shake Canada's Net-Zero Advisory Body
Two founding members of Canada's Net-Zero Advisory Body have stepped down, citing concerns that their work is being overlooked by the federal government. Simon Donner, a climate scientist from the University of British Columbia, and Catherine Abreu, a global climate campaigner, announced their resignations this week. Their departure leaves the advisory body with only four remaining members.
Criticism of Government's Climate Strategy
Donner and Abreu have expressed frustration with the government's recent shift in climate priorities. Donner noted that the advisory body's structure was "never ideal" and has become increasingly challenging as the government's focus changed. Abreu criticized the government's recent agreement with Alberta to support a new oil pipeline and the introduction of Bill C-5, which could expedite environmental approvals for fossil fuel projects. She argued that these moves undermine Canada's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Advisory Body's Role and Mandate
The Net-Zero Advisory Body was established under Canada's Net-Zero Accountability Act to provide independent advice on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The act requires the environment minister to consider the body's recommendations when setting emissions targets. However, Abreu claims that the current government has not engaged with the advisory body to the same extent as previous administrations, such as when developing the emissions cap for oil and gas producers.
Government's Response and Future Plans
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin's office has not commented directly on the resignations but emphasized the ongoing importance of the advisory body's work. The government is expected to release an updated emissions reduction plan before the end of the year, which will include an assessment of Canada's 2030 targets. Canada has committed to reducing emissions by at least 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. With the deadline for the progress report approaching, it remains unclear whether the advisory body will be consulted.
Impact on Canada's Climate Goals
The resignations of Donner and Abreu highlight tensions between the advisory body and the federal government over Canada's climate strategy. As the government prepares to update its emissions reduction plan, the absence of input from key climate experts raises questions about the effectiveness of Canada's approach to meeting its climate commitments. The situation underscores the challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental responsibilities in the pursuit of net-zero emissions.
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This story was based on coverage from multiple sources. The outlets generally covered the resignations of two founding members of Canada's net-zero advisory body similarly, highlighting Simon Donner's LinkedIn post and the perceived shift in government priorities. However, Sudbury.com uniquely accused the Carney government of not consulting the advisory group on key decisions, adding a specific political angle not emphasized by others. While CBC noted the reduced membership of the advisory body post-resignations, the Toronto Star and Peterborough Examiner focused on the broader implications for Canada's climate policy amidst accusations of policy backtracking.
