Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (43-2)
Bill C-12 in the 43rd Parliament 2nd Session was the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, royal assent June 29, 2021 (S.C. 2021, c. 22). The Act enshrines Canada's commitment to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050 in federal law, requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set emissions-reduction targets at five-year intervals (2030, 2035, 2040, 2045) with a publicly published Emissions Reduction Plan, creates the Net-Zero Advisory Body of 15 independent experts, and requires the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to audit progress at least every five years. Foundational to the federal climate framework.
Status
Quick learn
Made Canada's 2050 net-zero target legally binding for the first time. Requires the federal government to publish an emissions-reduction plan, hit milestone targets every five years, and have results audited by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.
Issues this bill touches
- Climate & Environment
Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Binds the federal government to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 with mandatory five-year carbon budgets.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Royal assent
Approved by both chambers and granted royal assent; now law.
View source
Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada