Four Climate Priorities for Canada’s First 100 Days Under PM Mark Carney
With the new federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada has an opportunity to advance a new bold course for climate action - one that aligns with both economic resilience and long-term competitiveness - to solidify and accelerate its climate leadership.
According to the Canadian Climate Institute, as covered by the Energy Mix (Smith 2025), here are four priority actions for the new government in the first 100 days:
Modernize industrial carbon pricing: Carbon pricing remains Canada’s most powerful tool for cutting emissions efficiently, all the while protecting industrial competitiveness. It is recommended that the system receive updates with stronger, more transparent and modern, standards across the provinces to offer businesses greater certainty and drive larger emissions reductions.
Finalize methane regulations for oil and gas: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing it is both cost-effective and achievable, and Canada has already made major progress in this regard, with some provinces cutting emissions by over 50% in less than a decade. Stronger action is needed to lock climate gains and the economic benefits. Draft federal regulations targeting a 75% cut by 2030 are ready to be finalized, but evidence shows that we could go even further to reach 80%.
Deliver the clean electricity investment tax credit: The Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a policy designed to support a shift to electrifying Canada's economy, but it has yet to be finalized. Once in place, it will unlock billions in investment across Canada to support clean grid development while lowering long-term energy costs, and it also includes tax-exempt entities like First Nations and municipalities.
Create a made-in-canada climate taxonomy: Canada needs a clear framework for evaluating which investments truly support climate goals. A national climate taxonomy, which has already been adopted or in development in over 30 other countries, will provide that guidance. The government has already endorsed a leading framework, but requires an independent, well-funded body to implement it.
Together, these four recommendations will build on Canada’s climate momentum and set the foundation for stronger, smarter policy in the global economy. Having clear priorities and political will, will mean that the first 100 days can lay the crucial groundwork for a cleaner, more competitive, and more resilient Canada.
Written by Sabrina Careri, for Ann Dale.
Image credit: Scott Evans from Unsplash