Ecojustice has launched a new legal action against the federal government for “planning to fail” on it’s 2030 climate target.
Under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (CNZEAA) the federal government is legally required to:
- set science-based climate targets,
- have a credible plan to achieve them,
- and regularly report on its progress.
But over the past year, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government have weakened or repealed key climate measures without presenting credible alternatives to deal with the resulting increase in climate pollution.
This is not just irresponsible, it’s unlawful under the CNZEAA.
The gutting culminated last month with agreements to massively expand fossil fuel production and weaken industrial carbon pricing, and a push to dismantle a host of cornerstone federal environmental laws.
On behalf of our youth and organizational clients — Sophia Mathur, Marie Maltais, Shirley Barnea, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), and Environmental Defence — we’re asking the court to step in.
What we want:
We want the court to order the federal government to create a credible, science-based climate plan that’s capable of achieving its 2030 target.
Why we want it:
Communities across Canada can already feel the impact of fossil fuel-driven climate change — including deadly heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and public health risks. The economic effects are no longer a future risk — climate change is already damaging Canadians’ homes, increasing the cost of living, risking food security, and raising insurance costs.
Gutting climate policy and expanding fossil fuels, while forgoing opportunities for growing a 21st century clean economy, doesn’t serve the interest of everyday Canadians who will be left to bear the consequences.
This case comes down to one thing. When Canada’s legal obligations require a plan, failing to provide one isn’t just irresponsible – it’s against the law.
Ecojustice represents our clients in this case free of charge, thanks to the support of generous people like you. Together we can hold governments to account.