GATINEAU, QC, June 20,
2024 /CNW/ - To help Canada achieve its climate goals, including
reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, the Government of Canada works with experts, such as the members
of the Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB).
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment
and Climate Change, announced two new co-chairs of the Advisory
Body:
- Simon Donner, Climate Scientist
and Professor, University of British
Columbia
- Sarah Houde, Chief Executive
Officer, MileBox
Dr. Donner and Ms. Houde are two of the 14 original
Advisory Body members, appointed in February
2021, when the Government of Canada launched the Net-Zero Advisory
Body.
The Net-Zero Advisory Body is mandated under the Canadian
Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act to provide independent
advice to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on how
Canada can achieve net-zero
emissions by 2050. The Advisory Body also develops advice for
nearer-term emissions reduction targets (including for 2035) and
climate plans.
The Net-Zero Advisory Body provided expert advice for the
development of the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, released in
2022. The Advisory Body's timely advice is communicated through
annual reports and additional advice submissions to the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change, which are also made available to
the public.
Currently, the Government of Canada is recruiting new members for the
Advisory Body and is encouraging all qualified Canadians to apply.
If you are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, and you are interested
in the work of the Net-Zero Advisory Body and have climate
change-related expertise, the Government of Canada encourages you to apply for an
appointment to the Advisory Body. The same is true if you are Black
or a member of a racialized community, a person with a disability,
identify as part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, or a youth (aged 18 to
29). The selection process will ensure that the Net-Zero Advisory
Body reflects Canada's diversity
in terms of linguistic, regional, and employment equity groups.
Quotes
"The Net-Zero Advisory Body has made significant contributions
to Canada's climate change
planning and policymaking efforts. I extend warm congratulations to
its new co-chairs—both long-established members of the Advisory
Body—who I am confident will provide strong leadership and
direction to this respected group of experts. We look forward to
continuing to work with the Net-Zero Advisory Body and receiving
its advice on issues related to Canada's path to net-zero emissions by
2050."
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment
and Climate Change
"Research shows us that slowing climate change is a net winner,
not just in terms of our health and that of the environment, but in
terms of jobs and the economy. I am honoured to be part of a team
advising the federal government on how to make the transition to a
net-zero world, and to do so in a way that is fair to all
Canadians."
– Simon Donner, Co-Chair,
Net-Zero Advisory Body
"The transition to carbon neutrality is by far the most
important issue of our era. We absolutely must succeed in reversing
the trend if we are to achieve our goals. I will devote all my
energy to achieve this and work tirelessly to reach out to all
communities in Canada to
understand their realities, identify the best paths, and advise the
Canadian government in this matter, in collaboration with the other
members of the Net-Zero Advisory Body."
– Sarah Houde, Co-Chair, Net-Zero
Advisory Body
Quick facts
- The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act
received Royal Assent on June 29,
2021, and formalized Canada's commitment to net zero by 2050. The
Act ensures transparency and accountability as the government works
to deliver on its targets. It also requires public participation
and independent advice to guide the Government of Canada's efforts.
- Under the Act, the Government of Canada must set a national emissions reduction
target for 2035 by no later than December 1,
2024.
- The Act established the Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide the
Minister of Environment and Climate Change with independent advice
on achieving net-zero emissions and to engage with Canadians on
reaching this goal.
- The Governor in Council appoints the members of the Net-Zero
Advisory Body on the recommendation of the Minister and sets their
remuneration. The Net-Zero Advisory Body is composed of no more
than 15 members, who are appointed on a part-time basis for a
renewable term of up to three years.
- The Minister announced the initial members on February 25, 2021. Members bring a wide range of
experience, including from the transportation, clean technology,
agriculture, conservation, electricity, and not-for-profit
sectors.
- The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan provides a roadmap for
Canada to meet its 2030 emissions
reduction target and puts in place the building blocks needed to
achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Related products
- The Net-Zero Advisory Body's What We Heard Report
2022–2023
- The Net-Zero Advisory Body's 2022 Annual Report
- Minister's Response to the Net-Zero Advisory Body's 2022 Annual
Report Advice
- Net-Zero Pathways – Initial Observations June 2021
- Submission for Canada's 2030
Emissions Reduction Plan
Associated links
- Net-Zero Advisory Body
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
- The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act
Environment and Climate Change Canada's X (Twitter) page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada