Climate Change Plan for Canada

The Government of Canada released the Climate Change Plan for Canada on November 21, 2002.

This Plan is the result of intensive consultation with the provinces and territories, as well as with stakeholders and individual Canadians and reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to action on climate change while ensuring economic competitiveness and growth.

The Plan provides a clear framework for the way forward while allowing for continuous adjustment as we assess our progress. Participating in the global effort to address climate change requires a national effort, one that summons the best from citizens, entrepreneurs, scientists, communities, and governments. With commitment and resolve we can create the healthy environment and dynamic economy for future generations of Canadians.

Transportation accounts for 25 percent of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada and the Plan addresses this issue. The Plan takes investments already in place and sets out further measures to improve fuel efficiency, expand the use of ethanol and other low-carbon fuels and promote more energy-efficient urban and freight transportation. In particular, the Plan:

• renews our commitment to working with automotive manufacturers to improve new vehicle fuel efficiency by 25 percent by 2010 and proposes additional steps to encourage consumer demand for more efficient vehicles;
• commits to new investments to increase the use of public transit and manage growth in vehicle use;
• sets the goal of increasing the amount of gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol blend to 35 percent of the market, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, and the amount of biodiesel production to 500 million litres; and
• proposes improved performance targets and best practices for all freight transport, and enhanced intermodal infrastructure.

For more information on the The Climate Change Plan for Canada and the implications for transportation, you can visit the Plan's website. Or by sending an email at GofCClimateChange.LeschangementsclimatiquesGDC@nrcan.gc.ca.