PAID ADVERTISEMENT MARCH 2023 | INNOVATINGCANADA.CA
@InnovatingCanada_CA
@MediaplanetCA
Please recycle
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Future of Our Planet Mediaplanet sat down with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson to learn about some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today and how they're working with all stakeholders to drive our transition to a sustainable, just, and secure Canada for future generations.
How is the government leveraging nature-based solutions such as natural carbon sinks to address climate change? Additionally, how does the government plan to protect and restore natural ecosystems in Canada by supporting conservation efforts?
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change
The year 2023 marks another big step forward, heralded by the global biodiversity conference, COP15, hosted in Montreal this past December. Coming out of COP15, Canada and the world are working toward conserving 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, as agreed upon in the historic Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. The dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are intrinsically connected and we must tackle them together. Since 2015, Canada has committed over $120 billion and introduced over 100 measures to support climate and environmental action, and nature-based climate solutions are an important part of our plan. Wetlands, forests and grasslands work to store carbon, filter our water, handle coastal storm surges, deter flooding, shade our communities, and more. Nature is one of our greatest allies in the fight against climate change, helping protect communities against its impacts. Knowing nature is one of our greatest allies, we are continuing our work on conservation alongside the public and private sector to reach 30 per cent — the minimum required to effectively halt and reserve biodiversity loss. That’s why we’re finalizing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy, supported by the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, to help build healthy communities and strong economies for generations to come. We are embracing the power of nature to reduce the effects of, and adapt to climate change, all while supporting biodiversity, by investing more than $5 billion over 10 years (2021–2031) in the Natural Climate Solutions Fund. The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund initiative is to reduce Canada’s net GHG emissions using natural climate solutions, while providing benefits for biodiversity and human well-being. NSCSF activities during 2021-22 to 2030-31 will seek to reduce 2-4 megatons of GHGs per year from 2030 to 2050 and onwards. Ecosystems will continue to sequester carbon for many years after the initial investment ends. When we protect and invest in nature, we can allow it to protect us.
To read the full interviews, visit innovatingcanada.ca.
How can clean energy assist Canada in accomplishing its critical mineral strategy, and in what ways will it strengthen Canada's supply chain? We are proud that nearly 83 per cent of electricity produced in Canada comes from low- or non-emission sources, and we have committed to an ambitious plan to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 as outlined in the Emissions Reduction Plan. We are committed to achieving a net-zero electricity system by 2035, and have charted an ambitious path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve these goals, in part, the federal government is investing in clean energy production and technologies through programs such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, which provides up to $1.564 billion over eight years for renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects. In order to secure and create jobs, to grow the industries, and to lead the world with the resources and technologies it will need for generations to come, I launched the Regional Energy and Resources Tables in June 2022. The Regional Tables are part of a collaborative initiative with the provinces and territories designed to identify, prioritize and pursue opportunities for job creation, economic growth for a low-carbon future, and investment in renewable energy technology and infrastructure. To date, the tables for British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador were set up during Phase 1 of the rollout. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon were set up with Phase 2, and Ontario with Phase 3. We look forward to working with all jurisdictions in the future. Many of the provinces and territories that have since joined the tables have expressed significant interest in the exploration and development of critical mineral opportunities. Through the Regional Tables, the federal government will be able to work with provincial and territorial jurisdictions to align funding and resources needed to develop these and ensure that this is done in a manner that takes advantage of Canada’s abundant clean energy infrastructure. As we move forward towards a clean future, we are committed to working with provinces and territories, industry and Indigenous partners to develop the Critical Minerals Strategy in a sustainable way across Canada.
The Honourable Jonathan WIlkinson Minister of Natural Resources
Publisher: Bryan Bilas Business Development Manager: Karim Jooma Strategic Account Manager: Sierra Nardella Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Content Strategist: Nicole Kansakar Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production Lead: Michael Taylor Creative Lead: Kylie Armishaw Designer: Jake deBoer Digital Media Coordinator: Kristen Neals Web Editor: Christina Morgan Digital Traffic Strategist: Karm Rathod All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.