ENVIRONMENT

Canada's Shift in Climate Strategy: What's Changing?

CanadaWed Nov 05 2025

Canada's new government is taking a different approach to cutting oil and gas emissions. Instead of the old plan to cap emissions, they're focusing on:

  • Carbon markets
  • Stricter methane rules
  • New tech like carbon capture

The Old Plan

The old plan was controversial. It aimed to cut emissions by 35% compared to 2019 levels. However, Alberta, a big oil-producing province, saw this as a way to control their energy sector and cut jobs.

The New Plan: Climate Competitiveness Strategy

The new plan is all about:

  • Driving investment
  • Getting results
  • Making the oil and gas industry cleaner without hurting production

The government believes that with these new measures, the old emissions cap won't be needed anymore. They think it won't add much to reducing emissions.

A Shift in Approach

This change shows a shift in how Canada is tackling climate change. It's a move away from strict regulations towards market-based solutions.

But will it work? Only time will tell.

questions

    Is the new Climate Competitiveness Strategy just a front for the federal government to control the energy sector without explicitly saying so?
    Could the push for carbon markets and carbon capture technology be a ploy to funnel money to specific industries or corporations?
    How can the federal government ensure that the new strategy effectively reduces emissions without stifling economic growth in the oil and gas sector?

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