We have more climate momentum to celebrate: Last week November 12, 2020 the federal government introduced the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Bill C-12) to put Canada on the road to net-zero by 2050.

This is a significant step forward in the fight against the climate crisis. If passed, this bill will mark the first time in Canadian history that an emissions target will be enshrined in law.

The introduction of this bill is a testament to the power of the Ecojustice community. We would not have gotten this far without supporters like you lending your voice and speaking up for a strong climate law for Canada.

Thousands of Ecojustice supporters sent letters to their local MP, key members of cabinet and the Prime Minister calling for a new law that holds political leaders accountable for achieving net-zero. Clearly, your messages have made an impact. Thank you.

Strong climate laws are essential to tackling the climate emergency. The more robust this legislation, the better our chances are of avoiding the disastrous impacts of climate breakdown.

The Ecojustice team is now studying the new legislation in detail, but our first take is as follows:

It’s clear from this bill that the federal government has heard Ecojustice and others on the need to be accountable for achieving climate targets. We’d characterize this legislation as promising — it can put Canada on the course to achieving its emissions targets and position Canada to become a global climate leader.

We also see gaps in the legislation that the government must address. For instance, we’re concerned about the absence of a 2025 target in the bill, and how the federal government will respond to the IPCC’s immediate and stark warning — that we have less than a decade to address disastrous climate change.

In the coming months, Ecojustice will be working with all parties to pass the strongest possible version of this law — one that will lay the foundation for a safer, healthier future for all Canadians.

Along the way, we’re going to be counting on your help. Stay tuned for more on the ways you can advocate for a powerful law that will help Canada battle the climate emergency.

But for now, let’s take a well-deserved moment and celebrate this win. It’s been tough to find hope this year, but this development is a good reminder that together, the Ecojustice community is a powerful force for progress.

Learn more about Ecojustice at: https://ecojustice.ca/ or make a donation at: https://www.support.ecojustice.ca/page/31853/donate/1

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