Canada

1. Introduction

The 2021 Canada NDC submission is 42 pages long and contains three annexes: further information for clarity, transparency, and understanding, provincial and territorial climate action, and Indigenous Climate Action. This is a substantial improvement from Canadas past NDC and government statutes and actions, as it involved subnational and Indigenous governments on a wide scale, acknowledging the importance of their involvement in climate action and decision making. It is interesting to see how the sections provided by provinces and territories are more focused on individual targets, whereas the Indigenous-based perspectives focus on working together through cooperation to sustain the environment for future generations. The submission is not very informative regarding background on vulnerable groups or environmental degradation, but rather focuses on actionable goals and the statutes that are currently in place that these goals follow. The goals presented in the NDC from the federal and sub governments are primarily technocentric. Green technology can be a useful tool for progress; however, it is not efficient if Canada does not divest from an economy reliant on fossil fuels. 

2. Emissions Analysis 

The 2021 NDC presents a commitment of 40-45% emission reductions below 2005 levels by 2030. This includes an additional target of reducing short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon and phasing out ozone-depleting substances that are covered under the 1987 Montreal Protocol (GOC, 2021). Canada’s previous commitment presented by the 2017 NDC was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, in addition to already claiming to take action to reduce black carbon (GOC, 2017). This 2021 NDC is Canadas first-ever emissions reduction target that is enshrined in law under the new Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which received Royal Assent in June 2021. The rise of 10-15% from the original 2017 NDC still does not seem adequate as Canada is warming at twice the rate of any other country and intends to remain committed to oil and gas exploration and pipeline development, which was not properly disclosed in the NDC as it was referred to as “Canada being a net explorer of energy and has an energy intensive industrial sector” (GOC, 2021). The NDC acknowledges that Canada contains a higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile due to geographic, demographic, and economic circumstances including large landmass, low population density, space heating and cooling for energy use, and Canada having a resource-based economy. Many experts have stated that this target is not ambitious enough and does not align with climate science adequately, such as Laurel Collins, a critic from the NDP (Woodside, 2021). 

In April 2021, seven Canadian environmental organizations commissioned research into how Canada can achieve its fair share of emission reductions over the next decade. The backgrounder report found that for Canada to meet its global share of emission reductions, Canada would have to achieve at least 60% reductions by 2030 (EnviroEconomics & Navius, 2021). The report goes on to mention that putting policies in place that restrict the production and use of fossil fuels is critical and significant to reach reasonable reductions by 2030. According to the NDC and subsequent research, Canada’s current plan is to price carbon pollution and invest in clean technology rather than phasing out fossil fuels in their entirety. Divestment from fossil fuels would create multiple new careers and economic opportunities in growing the clean technology sector, while also transitioning from fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. To be a leader in climate action, Canada can no longer be a major oil and gas producer. The Canada’s Fair Share Backgrounder completed a comparison between Canada maintaining its current course, and if Canada did their fair share on climate action. The analysis found that more ambitious climate actions would require deep emission reduction policies and investments into cleaner energy in transportation, industry, buildings, and energy consumption. The findings suggested that knocking down the oil and gas industry in Canada, rather than just putting a price on it, would reduce emissions to reach a 60% target, create energy savings in Canadian households of all income groups, increase provincial GDP’s, create stable and green jobs, healthier communities, and a more climate-resilient environment.  

Each province, territory, and Indigenous group had the opportunity to share their own emission targets, goals, and initiatives in a one-page inclusion of the 2021 NDC. The second annex encompasses Canada’s individual provinces and territories with only a few setting their own GHG emission reduction targets which fall below the percentage produced by the federal government. Although Canada’s NDC is unique in the fact that its jurisdictions can produce their own climate plans, the provincial and territorial targets are unambitious and should be improved upon as their emission targets will result in Canada’s overall achievement or failure. This is especially essential in larger provinces that encompass larger populations such as Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, whose targets are below the already unambitious federal target. However, many provinces report working on joint initiatives and projects to collectively reduce GHG emissions. The third annex included all three distinct Indigenous groups in Canada, with First Nations (the largest Indigenous group) having the most developed climate strategies in partnership with a few provinces, the Inuit recently releasing a strategy for partnership opportunities, and the Métis acknowledging the problem with climate change and their intention to set and implement a climate plan. It is important for all jurisdictions in Canada to work together to lower overall GHG emissions and protect Canada from its current extreme rising temperatures.

3. Gender and Equity Analysis

Canada’s NDC includes advancements in gender equality, justice, and involvement through multiple gender-based initiatives. This includes supporting the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan adopted at COP25 by conducting Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) analysis for each policy and program in the future as it can maximize positive benefits for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change, including women, Indigenous groups, low-income, racialized Canadians, persons with disability and those in rural or remote communities. The intent of the GBA+ is to assess systemic inequalities to advance diversity and gender equality in Canada. The use of GBA+ provides an essential standard for women to be included in the decision-making, evaluation, implementation, and monitoring of climate change policies and initiatives. 

There is also a claim for gender inclusion through advocating for internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) to ensure environmental integrity, gender equality, and the rights of Indigenous peoples. The NDC claims its intention to lead critical initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in green transition and provides the example of the Equal by 30 Campaign to advance the participation of women in clean energy globally. The NDC further mentions briefly the 2021 Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People and the 2018 Canadian Gender Budgeting Act which provides slight insights into the intersectionality of women’s equity in relation to Indigenous peoples and economic rights. The NDC would have benefitted more by mentioning intersections between women with race and socioeconomic status, and how these points of intersectionality make these women more susceptible to climate change and its negative impacts, thus stating the importance of their involvement in climate change decisions and dialogues. 

4. Youth Analysis 

Canadas is drastically neglecting youth opinions, involvement, and initiatives in their 2021 NDC submission. The word “youth” itself is mentioned twice in the 42-page document, both times being identified in a list formation providing a very vague and non-committal approach to youth involvement. The first is an acknowledgement stating: “the voices of Indigenous women, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQQIA, and persons with disabilities are an essential part of climate leadership and action” (GOC, 2021). The second mention revolves around growing sectors stating: “ensuring that underrepresented Canadians, including women, racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and youth have equitable access to those opportunities” (GOC, 2021). The needs of youth and future generations are not being adequately acknowledged or considered in this NDC. This is despite the fact that the Indigenous annex included in the document contains the Métis perspective that we have a responsibility to protect lands, waters, and all living things for future generations. 

It is important to educate and involve youth in the climate crisis in the present, as future generations will be the ones dealing with more exacerbated and negative consequences of climate change such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, polluted ecosystems, and biodiversity loss. It is evident that youth are currently becoming more actively involved in the climate crisis globally. The most evident example includes youth climate activists such as Greta Thunberg, Alexandria Villaseñor, and Sathviga Sridhar. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, every person under the age of 18 has the right to participate in any decision-making processes that impact them (OHCHR), as new and increasing threats emerge from the climate crisis, youth have more of a reason than ever to be included in climate considerations and decision-making as it is their future and well-being that is currently being threatened. It is suggested that all countries including Canada, involve youth in climate-related deliberations whether it be through including youth perspectives in decision making and working harder on educating youth on environmental matters to promote intergenerational equity. What Canada has not mentioned in the NDC is that they are currently compiling an Environment and Climate Change Youth Council of 10 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25 to help define the environmental issues of our time (Service Canada, 2021). Additionally, Canada is investing $4.4 million in Clean Foundation's Youth Climate Action Now (YouCAN) project. Unfortunately, this project is only available to 70,000 youth in the Atlantic provinces. However, although these were mentioned subsequently following the 2021 NDC, it is positive to see youth are beginning to have more involvement in climate change discussions and perhaps will have more mention in Canada’s next NDC publication. 

5. Indigenous Analysis 

With Canada having one of the world’s largest Indigenous populations, it is increasingly important to respect Indigenous traditions and culture, as well as integrate them into decision-making that affects their lands and resources. This submission marked a substantive leap in the inclusion of Indigenous partners and governments. Besides being mentioned numerous times throughout the document, Indigenous perspectives and inclusion were provided an entire annex which included more focused representation and acknowledgement of the three distinct Indigenous groups in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis).

With Indigenous peoples having a culture embedded with environmental and intergenerational responsibility, they are excellent advocates for decisions made on behalf of climate welfare. Indigenous people are included in the NDC to build recognition and respect of Indigenous governments, rights, and jurisdiction. This includes co-developing solutions with Indigenous peoples on carbon pricing, increasing funding for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Indigenous Guardians programs, supporting Indigenous-led and delivered climate solutions by providing equitable resources and funding, and determining how as a group is more susceptible to climate change, can they be prioritized. The government further mentions other government-based laws and actions that require Indigenous involvement including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Constitution Act, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These statutes and actions were created years, even decades ago and it is positive that the Government of Canada is implementing the recommendations and priorities of these statutes into their NDC submission and involving Indigenous rights and actions to take part in climate-related decisions. Working with Indigenous peoples through governance, traditional knowledge, and Indigenous-based conservation and land management works towards reconciliation and environmental-related policies and targets both nationally and internationally. 

6. Civil Society Analysis

Civil society is well mentioned in Canada's NDC, with various initiatives to involve, educate and improve the well-being of Canadian citizens. This includes building new skills through education and career opportunities in growing sectors and involving society in decision-making processes. For example, under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (NZAA), the government must develop new emission reduction plans every 5 years starting 2030 and must include engagement with sub governments, Indigenous peoples, civil society, and the public. The government has committed to holding public engagement processes throughout climate change actions and decision-making. Throughout the NDC enhancement process, respondents suggested that Canada take additional climate action such as pursuing renewable energy, supporting climate-smart agriculture, and conserving, expanding, and enhancing natural areas (GOC, 2021). Canada provided an adequate understanding of the importance of involving society in decision-making processes, especially those that affect them directly. 

7. Conclusion 

The 2021 NDC is not as ambitious or actionable as Canada is capable of. It is pertinent to note that the submission does not go into depth or complexity around distinct groups and why they are involved in the analysis or why certain groups are disproportionately affected by climate change. The NDC has a larger focus on actions and possible solutions that are primarily technology-based, rather than what many experts have recommended should be more policy-based. The NDC refers to multiple statutes and legislations that were used as guidelines and contains multiple links that are useful for more information. Indigenous and sub governments are highlighted substantially in this NDC submission as each district, province, territory, and Indigenous group have a page on their climate actions, intentions, and targets. As sub government and Indigenous perspectives were highlighted well, the NDC was highly lacking in youth perspectives and involvement, as well as subpar mention of gender equality and intersectionality. To improve on Canada's NDC, it is recommended that:

• Youth perspectives are enhanced

  • This is already occurring through the creation of a Youth Advisory Council for the federal government, and multiple provincial governments that have begun a similar process of forming a council. 

  • Create forums and focus groups that adhere to younger ages (14-25)

• Policies are focused on divesting from carbon-intensive oil and gas industries

  • The Towards Canadas Fair Share commissioned research, we know that Canada should divest from fossil fuels and instead invest in renewable energy completely. This was proven to provide savings for all Canadian households, lower carbon emissions, and provide new jobs for those currently working in oil and gas (EnviroEconomics & Navius, 2021).

• All factors contributing to climate change such as food waste, agriculture, the fashion industry, etc., should be considered and accounted for in the NDC. 

  • The NDC did not involve every industry that contributes to their overall GHG emissions and how they will lower emissions in these sectors, however, it is pertinent that they are included as they currently result in increased GHG emissions.

7. References 

• **EnviroEconomics, & Navius. (2021). Towards Canada’s Fair Share - New research on achieving a stronger climate target. Retrieved from https://d3arzg0d19si6f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Towards- Canadas-Fair-Share-May-2021.pdf

• Government of Canada. (2021, July). Canada's 2021 Nationally Determine Contribution Under the Paris Agreement. Retrieved from https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Canada First/Canada's Enhanced NDC Submission_EN.pdf 

• Government of Canada. (2017). Canada's 2017 Nationally Determined Contribution Submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Canada%20First/Canada%20First%20NDC-Revised%20submission%202017-05-11.pdf

• OHCHR. (n.d.). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CRC.aspx

• Service Canada. (2021, July 21). Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/get-involved/environment-climate-change-youth-council.html

• UNICEF. (n.d.). Youth for climate action. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/environment-and-climate-change/youth-action

• Woodside, J. (2021, July 15). Critics slam Canada's official Paris target as 'climate denial' in action. Retrieved from https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/07/13/news/canada-official-paris-target-climate-denial-critics