Finally, the government has released draft regulations to cap pollution from the oil and gas industry. Let's seize this opportunity to make Canada's largest polluter do their fair share!
Even though the Emissions Cap on oil and gas is essential for us to meet our climate commitments, lobbyists from the oil and gas industry and other opposed groups are fighting right now to have these new regulations watered down or scrapped. Without this policy, the fossil fuel industry will continue to delay and deny its role in driving the climate crisis and focus on making enormous profits, without any accountability to regular Canadians who are facing increasing climate disasters and a rising cost of living from an unstable climate.
Until January 8th, we have a chance to tell the federal government how important this policy is, and demand that they speed up the timeline, make the targets stronger and close any loopholes.
What else can you do?
Learn more
- Here's a fairly concise analysis of the framework from the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
- And here's an interview with Tom Green, Senior Climate Policy Advisor from David Suzuki Foundation, if audio/visual is more your style.
- If you'd like to watch the government's announcement of the framework here's a clip from CPAC. And you'll find the official government website about the framework here.
- And here's an overview of Canada's path to net-zero emissions, set out in the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act passed in 2021.
Reach out to your MP
- This is an issue that crosses party lines, and every MP has a role to play in pushing the government to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for its emissions.
- Here's a template letter you can adapt, edit, and email to your MP, along with instructions on how to find their contact information. Please copy [email protected] on your email!
- If you've already contacted your MP about this issue, you could send them a reminder that you're waiting to hear from them, or request a meeting.
- For inspiration, here's 12-year-old Marion explaining why parents need to take this opportunity to push for strong regulations:
Get together and involve your kids
- Here's a great, inspiring story from a parent in our network about how her kid's class sent their messages to Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault - and his response! You can find a template for a postcard here, or have the kids draw their own.
Make sure you're signed up to receive For Our Kids' email updates, so you can keep up with our collective action on this issue. Questions? [email protected]