Parallel Paths – Message from the President and CEO
Canadian climate policy has been and will be influenced by the United States. Canada’s goal of harmonizing carbon-reduction policies and actions with those of the U.S. has significant implications for our own environmental objectives and economic security. In short, it shapes our climate policy ambition and opportunity.
Our integrated economies require active consideration of the impacts of U.S. policy, and Canadian policy in response while working towards our harmonization goal. But a key question remains: If America holds back, can Canada still move ahead?
This report says, yes we can.
The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy has completed over a year of analysis and original modelling to determine how far and how fast Canada could go to meet its stated emission reduction targets while growing our economy.
The NRTEE offers a transitional policy option for decision makers to consider. It reduces emissions here in Canada while maintaining our competitiveness, and results in more investment in needed low-carbon innovation for the future. It builds on existing policy direction so it can work.
Harmonization, where possible and when feasible, makes sense for Canada. But in the face of persistent U.S. uncertainty as to its own climate policy future, Canada will need to look to its own options, in the right way, at the right time. We hope this new report, the third in the NRTEE’s Climate Prosperity series, helps illuminate a path forward.
DAVID McLAUGHLIN
NRTEE President and CEO
© 2013