MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE ON APRIL 28th
As we approach a federal election, now is the time to consider the important role of our federally elected officials in supporting local climate action. Achieving a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 – rather than the baseline of 30% reduction by 2030 – requires strong federal commitments and policies to support this transition and build a strong community. So we’ve connected the dots between calls to action that have been identified in TransformWR (the community’s plan to transition Waterloo Region to an equitable, prosperous, resilient low carbon community), and policies that fall under the responsibility of the federal government.
The government of Canada plays a critical role in helping TransformWR achieve goals and targets of reaching 50by30 and 80by50. Federal policies include clean fuel standards, fuel charge and emission pricing, national building codes and standards, and energy regulations help to shape the conditions for local climate action in Waterloo Region. Beyond legislation, federal funding mechanisms can be a way for government to support key initiatives, including green infrastructure, energy retrofits, and sustainable transportation to accelerate the region’s transition to a low-carbon future. Federal leadership strengthens national climate commitments and collaboration across all levels of government.
On Election Day, April 28th, it’s important to consider areas of federal influence that can further our climate action goals to meet TransformWR’s near and long-term targets.
TRANSFORMWR
TransformWR is our community’s climate action plan for addressing climate change in Waterloo Region. It outlines key actions to reduce emissions within our region in order to build a more prosperous and resilient future. Here are some of the ways that federal jurisdictions can influence strong climate action:
CALL TO ACTION: TRANSFORM THE WAYS WE MOVE
Transformative Change #1 – Most trips are taken using active transportation, with the support of a robust public transit system.
- Public Transportation Funding: The federal government can support operational and capital funding to local and inter-regional transit services.
- Vehicle emissions regulations: The federal government can set national fuel and emission standards for vehicles through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
Transformative Change #2 – Remaining personal and commercial vehicles are zero emissions vehicles.
- Zero-Emissions Vehicle Mandates: The federal government has the ability to set mandates that enable the transition to only fully electric vehicles sold in Canada.
- Clean Fuel Standards: The federal government oversees clean fuel standards that promote adoption of clean fuels and technologies to further reduce our dependence on gas-powered vehicles.
Transformative Change #3: Businesses and homes no longer use fossil fuels for space heating and cooling, and water heating.
- National Building Codes: The government oversees minimum national building codes and standards for energy efficiency. Note: provincial jurisdiction decides whether to adopt these national standards or to create their own.
- Greener Homes Initiative: The federal government can provide incentives, funding and loans for home and business energy retrofits (heat pumps, insulation, efficiency retrofits). This supports our ability to decarbonize our homes and businesses faster.
Transformative Change #4: Waterloo Region uses less, wastes less, and no longer disposes of organic matter in landfills.
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) – Plastics and Waste Pollution regulations: The government regulates through CEPA single-use plastic bans, zero-plastic waste initiatives and recycled content requirements.
- Federal regulations to reduce methane emissions from landfills: The Federal government can develop standards and regulations to reduce methane emissions from municipal landfills.
- Industry Incentives: The government has the jurisdiction to provide industry incentives to businesses to reduce pollution, invest in green technology, and promote climate-friendly services and products.
Transformative Change #5: Waterloo Region has a thriving local food system built on local farming, and food production and processing that feeds much of our community.
- Food Policy Canada: The federal food policy addresses food safety and food systems in communities. The federal government can provide consistent and predictable funding for local initiatives that can enable reductions in greenhouse gases in the agriculture and food sector and reduce food insecurity.
- A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy: Canada’s national climate action plan supports driving climate initiatives by having a national agenda for federal jurisdiction. This can have a significant impact on the community level.
Transformative Change #6: Waterloo Region has leveraged reducing GHG emissions to increase equity, prosperity, and resiliency for all.
- Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action: The Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation Commission has 94 calls to action in the areas of: indigenous children and youth; language and culture; health; justice in the legal system; history and commemoration; and reconciliation. The federal government has committed to taking action and has the most significant obligation to fulfill these commitments.
- Low carbon innovation funding: Innovation funding opportunities can be created that drive clean growth while building resilient communities that are net zero. Often innovation funds create new jobs that increase the prosperity of communities.
