Justin Trudeau’s new bill setting Canada on the road to be a net-zero emitter by 2050 has been introduced into the House of Commons..“This is an ambitious goal,” Trudeau said Thursday in a video address to a conference as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum..“But our kids, our economy, and our future can afford nothing less. Net-zero is as much about avoiding the worst impacts of climate change as it is about creating good jobs and a competitive economy for years to come..“Climate change remains one of the greatest challenges of our times,” Trudeau told reporters..“Just like with COVID-19, ignoring the risks of climate change isn’t an option. That approach would only make the costs higher and the long-term consequences worse. Canadians have been clear — they want climate action now.”.Bill C-12 will require Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to set five-year targets, starting in 2030, for curbing emissions on the way to net-zero emissions by 2050..The plans, progress report and assessment report on each would need to be tabled in the House..The environment commissioner will audit Canada’s climate change mitigation measures at least once every five years..Bill C-12 will create a 15-person advisory body to help Wilkinson find ways to get to net-zero.. It does not mandate further increases to the carbon tax..“Ultimately, the accountability for government’s actions or inaction is from Canadians themselves. We live in a democracy. Stephen Harper’s inability to fight climate change responsibility was a big part of him losing power in 2015. Conservatives continue to fight against measures that combat climate change,” Trudeau said.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .“The consequences for a government that doesn’t lead on climate change … will be far greater than anything you can write into a legislation.”.Conservative MP Dan Albas, the party’s environment critic, said Trudeau needs to tell Canadians how much his plan will cost..“Justin Trudeau needs to be transparent with Canadians about his plan for achieving net zero. Canadians are worried that he plans to dramatically increase carbon taxes, and they are worried about the impact this will have on the cost of gas, groceries and home heating,” he said in a statement..Canada has set multiple goals for curbing emissions over the last three decades and has never met a single one of them, The Canadian Press reported..It missed its 2012 target under the Kyoto accord by more than 100 million tonnes and at the end of this year will miss its 2020 target by even more than that, CP said..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
