Canada's Anti-Pollution Efforts: Initiatives And Impact

Canada is taking several steps to reduce pollution and fight climate change. The country is establishing national air quality standards, investing in cleaner technologies, and implementing regulations to reduce air pollution. Canada's efforts include funding zero-emission school and transit buses, promoting active transportation, and working with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System. Additionally, the country is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a target of a 40% reduction below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Canada is also a founding member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, recognizing the importance of reducing short-lived climate pollutants. The government encourages businesses to transition to net-zero emissions and provides incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. Furthermore, Canada has one of the cleanest electricity systems globally and is working towards transitioning to lower- or non-emitting sources.

Canada is reducing emissions from vehicles and engines

Canada is taking a range of actions to reduce emissions from vehicles and engines. Firstly, the government has implemented air pollutant regulations for on-road and off-road vehicles and engines, addressing ozone precursors and reducing black carbon. These regulations cover a broad range of vehicles, from new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and motorcycles to heavy-duty vehicles such as highway tractors, buses, and dump trucks. Canada has also implemented regulations for off-road small spark-ignition engines, such as those found in gas-powered generators, chainsaws, and lawnmowers.

In addition to these measures, Canada is also taking steps to reduce emissions from marine and off-road recreational vehicles, as well as large spark-ignition engines used in forklifts, ice re-surfacers, and other commercial applications. The government has also introduced regulations for off-road compression-ignition engines, which are commonly used in farming, mining, and forestry machinery.

To further reduce emissions from vehicles and engines, Canada is providing incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and funding the installation of more electric charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions and improve air quality, contributing to Canada's commitment to protecting Canadians' health and well-being.

Canada's efforts to reduce emissions from transportation also include phasing out traditional coal-fired electricity by 2030 and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The government is developing performance standards for natural gas-fired electricity to support this transition. Additionally, Canada is taking action to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, with a target of a 40-45% reduction below 2012 levels by 2025.

By implementing these comprehensive measures, Canada is making significant progress in reducing emissions from vehicles and engines, contributing to its overall goal of fighting climate change and improving air quality for its citizens.

Canada is encouraging the use of public transport and active travel

Canada is taking a range of actions to reduce air pollution and fight climate change. One of these actions is encouraging the use of public transport and active travel.

Canada has acknowledged the importance of reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) as part of its broader climate change and clean air agenda. SLCPs include black carbon, methane, ground-level ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons. These pollutants are particularly important to Canada's North, a region that is warming faster than the rest of the planet due in part to SLCPs.

To address SLCPs, Canada has implemented air pollutant regulations targeting ozone precursors and particulate matter, including black carbon. Additionally, Canada has adopted world-leading air pollutant emission regulations for a broad range of on-road and off-road vehicles and engines, which also help to reduce ozone precursors and fine particulate matter. These regulations include standards for sulphur in gasoline and diesel fuel, which further contribute to the reduction of emissions.

Canada has also introduced the Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations, which set mandatory national air pollutant emission standards for major industrial facilities. These regulations include requirements for nitrogen oxide emissions from boilers, heaters, and engines, as well as nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide emissions from cement manufacturing facilities.

Furthermore, Canada is investing in the Active Transportation Fund for projects that promote increased use of human-powered activities such as walking, cycling, and the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, and e-bikes. These projects aim to provide tangible benefits to communities while also reducing emissions.

By encouraging the use of public transport and active travel, Canada is taking a holistic approach to reducing air pollution and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

Canada is investing in clean energy projects in rural and remote communities

Canada is taking several steps to reduce pollution and fight climate change. One of these steps includes investing in clean energy projects in rural and remote communities.

The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity-building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The program's objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and related energy efficiency measures.

The CERRC program was launched in 2018 with $220 million allocated over 8 years to reduce diesel reliance for heat and power in Indigenous and remote communities. The program received an additional $233 million over 5 years through the 2021 Budget. The funding supports renewable energy and capacity-building projects, as well as related energy efficiency measures.

The Government of Canada is committed to improving access to federal funding and resources for these projects. The CERRC program has simplified the application and reporting processes and is working with an Indigenous Council to guide its work.

• Old Crow Solar Project in Old Crow, Yukon: This project includes 940 kilowatts (kW) of solar modules and 616 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage, reducing diesel demand by an estimated 190,000 litres annually.
• Aklavik Solar in Aklavik, Northwest Territories (NWT): A 150 kW solar array install that is expected to reduce annual diesel demand by 26,000 litres.
• Inuvik Solar in Inuvik, NWT: A one-megawatt (MW) solar project expected to reduce annual diesel demand by 130,000 litres.
• Gjoa Haven Clean Energy Implementation in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut: This project includes installing energy-efficient measures in all residential homes, solar panels on cabins, and promoting heat pump clothes dryers. It is expected to reduce annual diesel consumption by 140,000 litres per year.
• Arviat Clean Energy Microgrid in Arviat, Nunavut: A microgrid solution consisting of a 200 kW solar array, 1.6 MW wind farm, and 2.0 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage. Over 20 years, the microgrid is expected to reduce diesel demand by 30 million litres.
• Bella Bella Heat Pump Project in Bella Bella, British Columbia (BC): Replacing diesel furnaces with more efficient heat pumps that run on electricity. Each heat pump is expected to save a household 2,000 litres of diesel fuel and over $1,500 in heating costs annually.

These projects not only reduce diesel reliance and greenhouse gas emissions but also create environmental, social, and economic benefits, supporting healthier and more sustainable communities.

Canada is providing incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles

Canada is taking a range of actions to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. One of the key initiatives is the provision of incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This initiative is part of Canada's broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for its citizens.

The Canadian government recognizes the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation options to mitigate the impact of the transportation sector on the environment. By encouraging the adoption of ZEVs, Canada aims to reduce emissions from vehicles, which are a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change.

The Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program offers Canadians and Canadian businesses financial incentives when purchasing or leasing eligible ZEVs. The program provides up to $5,000 for light-duty vehicles, such as personal cars, SUVs, and light pick-up trucks. Additionally, the Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) Program offers up to $200,000 for the purchase or lease of medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs, including trucks, cargo vans, shuttles, and other commercial vehicles.

These incentives are designed to make ZEVs more affordable and accessible to individuals and businesses, reducing the financial barrier to adopting cleaner transportation options. The iZEV and iMHZEV programs also encourage dealerships to offer incentives to their customers, further promoting the sale and lease of ZEVs.

The eligibility criteria for the iZEV Program include meeting Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, being intended for use on public roads, and having at least four functioning wheels. The vehicle must also be new and registered for the first time, although demonstrators with less than 10,000 km on the odometer are considered eligible. The base model Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) must be below a certain threshold, with higher-priced trims eligible for purchase incentives up to a maximum MSRP.

Canada's efforts to promote ZEVs extend beyond incentives, with the country already boasting thousands of ZEV charging and refuelling stations. The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program ensures that the transition to ZEVs is convenient and accessible for Canadians. Additionally, the ZEV Council brings together experts from various sectors to identify and implement solutions that accelerate the switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Canada is working with international partners to reduce transboundary air pollution

Canada is committed to working with international partners to reduce transboundary air pollution and ensure that treaties such as the Canada-US Air Quality Agreement and the Gothenburg Protocol remain effective. As a founding member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Canada recognizes the importance of reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) as part of its broader climate change and clean air agenda. This includes addressing black carbon, methane, ground-level ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons.

Canada is also an active participant in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, which is the only international instrument dealing with air pollution. The Gothenburg Protocol to this convention is the first formal agreement to include SLCPs, specifically targeting black carbon and ozone. Canada provides leadership and strategic policy advice within these discussions and, in 2016, a Canadian official was elected to chair the principal negotiating body.

In addition, Canada is working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from ships. This includes providing technical support, policy advice, and emissions testing expertise as the IMO develops and implements a plan to assess the impacts of black carbon emissions from ships on the Arctic environment. Canada also provides input on fugitive VOCs from tankers.

Furthermore, Canada was one of the first countries to ratify the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which has been highly successful in eliminating ozone-depleting substances worldwide. In 2009, Canada, along with Mexico and the US, began promoting the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which has led to the adoption of the Kigali Amendment in 2016. This amendment aims to phase down the consumption and production of HFCs, contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Through these international partnerships and agreements, Canada is actively engaged in reducing transboundary air pollution and addressing the impacts of climate change.

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