Trudeau Suggests That US Disengagement from Climate Change Battle Creates a Chance for Canada

November 19, 2024 TruthUSA

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern about the U.S. potentially backing away from its commitment to tackle climate change under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Trudeau noted that such a shift could present economic opportunities for Canada.

Speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil on Nov. 19, Trudeau stated, “If people view the United States as uninterested in innovation and combating climate change, they may turn to Canada instead.” He emphasized that Canada remains committed to seizing the opportunities associated with climate change, even if the U.S. chooses not to.

Trudeau highlighted the economic impacts of climate change and stressed the importance of countries taking comprehensive actions to reduce emissions, especially among the major emitters. He cited initiatives such as the Canada carbon rebate and support for electric vehicle manufacturing as key steps the Canadian government has taken to fight climate change.

Emphasizing that Canada is capitalizing on the economic potential of climate change, Trudeau pointed out that reduced U.S. action on climate change could lead to increased foreign investments in climate-related projects in Canada.

During Trump’s presidency from 2016 to 2020, America withdrew from the Paris Agreement, a global treaty on climate change. This decision was reversed when Joe Biden assumed office. Trump’s administration also implemented policies favoring fossil fuel usage.

Trump has pledged to ramp up fossil fuel drilling and roll back significant climate policies enacted during Biden’s presidency, such as the Inflation Reduction Act promoting clean energy and electric vehicles.

By contrast, Canada has implemented several policies prioritizing the fight against climate change. These include a federal carbon tax, cessation of thermal coal exports, stricter regulations on plastic manufacturing and imports, mandates for oil and gas companies to reduce emissions, and significant investments in electric vehicle battery factories.

However, public support for climate change initiatives in Canada seems to be waning amid a cost-of-living crisis.

A poll conducted by Leger before the carbon tax hike on April 1 revealed that 69 percent of Canadians opposed further tax increases, while 31 percent supported the hike.

The Liberal government claims that eight out of 10 households will receive more in rebates than they pay in carbon taxes. However, the Parliamentary Budget Officer has found that Canadians are worse off economically due to the carbon tax when considering its impact on GDP and investment income.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to eliminate the tax, arguing that it raises the costs of essentials like food, fuel, and housing. This message has resonated with Canadians, as polls consistently show the Tories leading the Liberals.

Trudeau acknowledged that many families are currently focused on covering rent and groceries and have deprioritized climate change as a result.

During a G20 panel discussion on Nov. 18, Trudeau remarked, “When the storm comes, you want to hunker down and just sort of huddle up and wait for it to blow over. We can’t do that regarding climate change.”

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