“The Liberal Party of Canada’s announcement that they intend to reach a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 is a big deal. For the first time in Canada, we now have have a climate target from one of the two leading parties that, if met, would ensure we’re doing our part to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

The world is starting to wake up and commit to meaningful action on climate change. Over 60 countries have now made net-zero emissions pledges for 2050. As one of the world’s top 10 emitters, Canada can send a powerful signal by joining this group.

But commitments are just the start. The pledge to achieve that net-zero target needs to be underwritten by policies that can actually get us there. The most effective way to do that would be continuing to increase the carbon tax and rebate gradually over time. The carbon tax is the most affordable climate policy in the toolkit, and we know it works to reduce emissions.

That’s why it’s time for all the other political parties to make the same pledge. The Green Party has committed to this net-zero target, and I hope the NDP will follow suit. And now would be a perfect time for the Conservatives to revisit their climate plan. As our July report on the Scheer climate plan shows, their current one would actually increase emissions, and would end up costing households more.

In the past, Conservatives have been important champions of environmental leadership. Given that, and in light of the direction that the world is clearly heading, they should reconsider their plan to remove the carbon tax and rebate. If they don’t, voters should take that into account when deciding who they’re going to support in October’s election. Our future depends on it.”