Media Release: Fall Economic Statement is a Crucial First Step Towards a Green and Just Recovery from the Pandemic

Media Release

Toronto – CELA is pleased to see key elements of a Green and Just Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in yesterday’s Fall Economic Statement (FES).

Executive Director and Counsel Theresa McClenaghan stated that “we are thrilled to see the federal governments continued recognition of the unequal impact of COVID-19 on Canadians and the need for a response that addresses this social inequity alongside highly complementary green stimulus investments that address the climate and biodiversity crises.”

Within the $100 billion in stimulus spending, the FES commitments include $2.7 billion for home energy retrofits, $150 million for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, permanent funding for public transit and transit system electrification, and $3.16 billion for nature-based solutions to climate change, including planting two billion trees.

“These investments will both create jobs and lower emissions and are in line with recommendations we have made as part of the Green Budget Coalition,” McClenaghan noted. They have strong support from Canadians, as is clear from the 150,000 people throughout Canada who wrote the federal government this summer in support of a green and just recovery from COVID-19.

Next steps must include policy and legislative measures to support these investments by ensuring the federal government’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal will be achieved via emissions reduction. “CELA looks forward to ensuring the governments promised climate plan will be achieved via strong climate accountability legislation and regulation,” McClenaghan said.

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CELA is a member of the Green Budget Coalition.
Read the GBC’s Budget 2020-21 recommendations.

For more information:
Kathleen Cooper, Senior Researcher and Paralegal kcooper@cela.ca