Critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness of Canada’s climate policies as the government struggles to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. In 2023, former federal environment minister Steven Guilbault announced a commitment of over $200 billion in taxpayer funds for 149 programs across 13 government departments aimed at reducing emissions. Despite this significant investment, the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI) recently reported that the federal goal of cutting annual emissions to at least 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 is unlikely to be achieved.

As of 2024, CCI estimates indicate that Canada’s emissions were only 8.5% below 2005 levels, the same as in 2023. This stagnation suggests that the government's efforts are falling short, with projections indicating that only half of the 2030 target may be met. Critics argue that a thorough audit is necessary to understand how the substantial spending has failed to deliver promised results. Reports from the auditor general, environment commissioner, and parliamentary budget officer have highlighted significant flaws in federal climate initiatives.

The CCI also warned that the government’s long-term targets of reducing emissions by at least 45% from 2005 levels by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 are similarly unattainable. Historically, no Canadian government has met an emissions reduction target since 1988. Globally, emissions are reported to be 120% above the levels needed to prevent catastrophic climate change, according to the recent Production Gap Report.

Despite the government's insistence that opposition to its climate measures equates to climate denialism, many Canadians are increasingly skeptical. The parliamentary budget office has noted that Canada’s emissions are too small to significantly impact global climate change. While emissions in developed countries are stabilizing or decreasing, those in developing nations continue to rise.

Critics argue that the approach of imposing top-down policies that require citizens to lower their living standards is ineffective. They suggest that a more sensible strategy would be to increase funding for climate change adaptation, enhancing the resilience of public and private infrastructure to severe weather events. The federal government has allocated over $8 billion for this purpose, but critics believe that this should be prioritized in all major projects.

Additionally, there are calls for the development of a national clean electricity corridor, primarily powered by nuclear, hydro, and natural gas, to meet the growing energy demands of technologies like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. Proponents of renewable energy argue that natural gas is essential for backing up intermittent sources like wind and solar power.

Currently, Canada has one liquefied natural gas plant, LNG Canada in Kitimat, which began operations in June. While other projects are in the pipeline, critics contend that the Liberal government has missed significant economic opportunities by prematurely declaring the end of fossil fuels. Foreign leaders have expressed interest in Canadian natural gas, highlighting the potential for Canada to play a larger role in global energy markets.