Canada warned 2030 climate targets may no longer be possible

Former federal minister Steven Guilbeault says Canada will not be able to meet its 2030 climate goals after recent decisions made by the government. He warned that several important climate measures are being delayed or weakened, making the targets “impossible” to reach.

Guilbeault said the new agreement between the federal government and Alberta was the breaking point. The deal allows a new bitumen pipeline to the British Columbia coast and pauses several major climate policies, including the oil and gas emissions cap and parts of the clean electricity rules.

He explained that while private investment is important, it cannot replace strong rules and standards. Without those regulations, he said, Canada cannot cut emissions fast enough to meet its promises.

Guilbeault also said he was not told about the details of the agreement ahead of time. When he finally saw what had been included, he felt he could not support it and chose to resign from cabinet. He said the price of staying would have been too high for him.

He also criticized Alberta’s government for slowing down renewable energy progress. According to him, the province was attracting major investments until a political decision froze new renewable projects, costing thousands of jobs.

Guilbeault believes giving in to Alberta will only lead to more demands in the future. He said the federal government was making steady progress on climate action but is now moving backward.

Even after resigning, he plans to continue pushing for stronger climate action from within his party. He hopes his decision will make the government rethink its direction and return to a more balanced approach.