I’m encouraged after listening to the speech from the throne delivered today by Governor General Julie Payette.

In addition to continuing to focus on necessary pandemic response measures, the federal government has reaffirmed Canada’s resolve to address climate change by setting ambitious decarbonization targets. I’m glad to hear that the government intends to exceed its 2030 emissions-reduction targets, and legislate Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The government’s commitment to continue pricing pollution is critical. Pollution pricing is the tailwind that moves all boats in the direction of reduced emissions and cleaner growth. It is vital to Canada’s hopes to win in the cleantech market, a market that presents the biggest economic growth opportunity of this century.

While pollution pricing will be key, other investments will clearly be needed to complement it—especially during the current economic downturn, when investments that create good jobs and inclusive growth are sorely needed. That’s why it was good to hear the government commit to a retrofit program for homes and buildings, and to expanding the charging infrastructure for zero-emissions vehicles.

Clean Prosperity looks forward to working with the government on the regulatory and funding components of its clean growth strategy—particularly on the most effective ways to cut carbon emissions and incentivize the private sector to innovate and deploy net-zero technologies.

Canadians across the country expect big things from the shift to a greener economy. It’s critical that the throne speech be followed by concrete policy in the coming days.