Government of Canada Initiatives

Climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world. For an innovative economy, it presents many opportunities.

Human Activity Makes A Difference

The world's climate is changing at an unprecedented rate. The principal cause is human activity. The vast majority of the world's leading climate scientists are in agreement that without action, the long term consequences for our planet will be dramatic. The effects will be more marked in Canada than in many other countries because of our northern latitude. The impact on our ecosystems, our air quality, our fishing stocks, our water supplies, our heath and many other aspects of our current way of life will be significant.

We Are Doing Something About It

The Government of Canada is investing $1.6 billion for action on climate change over the next five years.

Federal Investment

Since the year 2000, the Government of Canada has consistently invested in initiatives to help Canadians reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) leading to global warming. The actions we are taking to fight climate change will also lead to cleaner air and more efficient use of energy, fuel, resources and water. Ultimately, we will have healthier, more livable and more sustainable communities.

The measures described below are a sampling of the initiatives underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The initiatives are the result of a comprehensive two-year consultation process with federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as experts from industry, academia and non-governmental organizations. The Government of Canada continues to work with provincial and territorial governments, and stakeholders to fine-tune the measures and seek partnerships.

Action Plan 2000 is funding initiatives in transportation, energy (oil and gas production and electricity), industry, buildings, forestry and agriculture, international projects, technology, science and adaptation. These sectors account for more than 90 percent of Canada's GHG emissions.

The Green Municipal Investment Fund and the Green Municipality Enabling Fund help municipalities in Canada carry out energy audits, feasibility studies and direct energy efficiency measures such as retro-fitting buildings and improving public transit systems, resulting in reduced GHG emissions. This year, the City of Toronto announced it had reduced its GHGs by 67 per cent.

The Sustainable Development Technology Fund will be administered by a non-government organization and is designed to stimulate the development and demonstration of environmental technologies, particularly those aimed at reducing GHG emissions such as fuel cells, clean coal technologies and new construction technologies.

This fund helps Canada become a leader in sustainable development, and in the production and use of all forms of energy. Canadians can also expect other direct benefits from this investment, including savings from improvements in energy efficiency and cleaner air.

The Office of Energy Efficiency has more than 19 programs in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors to provide information, expertise and financial incentives to help consumers, businesses and industries reduce GHG emissions at home, at work and on the road.

What Can You Do?

Canadians are encouraged to become informed on climate change, and support efforts to slow its progress. On a practical level, the most important step we can take is to practice energy efficiency in our everyday lives – in our homes, our schools, in our transportation habits, and in the workplace. Governments and industry are working together, but we need your help too.

The Government of Canada, the provinces and our partners have a whole range of programs that can help you make choices in conserving energy. Even the smallest contribution on your part can reduce our emissions and help us win the battle against climate change.

Want to know more about climate change?

Visit the Government of Canada climate change Web site at www.climatechange.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232, or TTY 1 800 465 7735) toll-free and ask for information about climate change.

Related documents:

Fact Sheets

• Atlantic Canada
• Clean Air
• Fisheries
• Oil, Gas and Coal
• Competitiveness