2030 Emissions Reduction Plan

Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, is the cornerstone of the federal government’s strategy to achieve the deep emissions cuts we need to tackle climate change. 

It outlines the federal government’s plan for how it will reduce emissions by 40 to 45 per cent by 2030 on the path to net zero emissions by 2050. The Emissions Reduction Plan is a requirement under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which establishes regular milestones for tracking Canada’s progress.

The Canadian Climate Institute is also tracking the country’s emissions reduction progress through our 440Megatonnes project. Weekly insights show how—or if—Canada’s plans and policies are keeping us on track to meet our 2030 emissions reduction target and, if not, where more work needs to be done.

And, when the federal government reaches planning and reporting milestones along the Emissions Reduction Plan timeline, the Institute publishes independent expert analyses on the country’s progress. 

December 2023: First Progress Report and Our analysis

In December 2023, Canada published the first progress report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. The report shows progress is being made, but deep emissions reductions require quick and effective policy implementation. Current and proposed policies can deliver 85 to 90 per cent of Canada’s 2030 target.

Read our initial reaction and our Independent Assessment of Canada’s 2023 Emissions Reduction Plan Progress Report.

Canada’s emissions pathway according to the Institute’s independent modelling of the 2023 Progress Report

March 2022: Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan released

In March 2022, Canada released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. Our independent assessment showed that although the plan is comprehensive, there are five priority policy areas that need to be quickly developed and implemented to meet Canada’s 2030 targets.

Further Resources