New data on Canada's industrial greenhouse gas emissions reveals the failure of former prime minister Justin Trudeau's climate promises. Emissions in 2024 totaled 685 million tonnes, only 10.3% below 2005 levels, far from the 40% reduction target by 2030.
Emissions Flatline Since 2020
Government efforts to lower emissions have stalled since 2020. Achieving the 40% target would require cutting emissions to 458 million tonnes annually, a 227-million-tonne gap. This would mean shutting down Canada's entire oil and gas sector, which emitted 208 million tonnes in 2024, and still falling short.
Carney Admits Failure
Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged Canada won't meet the 2030 or 2035 targets, criticizing Trudeau's plan for having "too much regulation, not enough action." The federal government has spent over $200 billion on 149 programs across 13 departments. Including provincial and territorial programs, the total exceeds $500 billion—$12,000 per Canadian.
Future Plans Unclear
Carney's policies, such as cancelling the consumer carbon tax and increasing energy production, may increase emissions. He has not detailed his carbon border adjustment mechanism or incentives for green energy purchases. Canada still aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, but the path remains uncertain.
