The federal Liberal party says it is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 if re-elected in next month’s federal election. The ruling party also says it will beat the current 2030 emissions goal with its plan.
A release put out Tuesday says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s party will “help workers prepare for a clean energy transition."
Trudeau and the Liberals face a difficult reelection campaign, with a resurgent Green party on the left and in the wake of a blackface scandal which has soured voters toward him.
Although Trudeau’s government implemented a national carbon tax, he has faced harsh criticism from climate-focused voters, particularly in British Columbia, for purchasing the Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan to ensure its construction.
The announcement came just days after thousands protested for action on climate change, including in cities across Canada, with more marches planned for Friday.
Net-zero carbon emissions means that some sectors could still pollute, but their carbon would be offset by other measures.
The release notes that many other governments, including the European Union, have already made a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
