In Canada’s election campaign, a warming planet sits on the back burner

As Canada’s election campaign reaches its midpoint, the focus is on national unity among the leading parties, with a common distrust of Donald Trump and a shared aversion to a consumer carbon tax. The economic turmoil and threats to sovereignty brought on by the U.S. president have revitalized the once-ailing Liberal Party, positioning them as the frontrunners in the dead-center of the political spectrum. This has also compelled the Conservatives to adopt a more patriotic stance in a political landscape where such gestures are no longer reserved for those operating heavy machinery in public spaces.

Both Mark Carney’s Liberals and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives have pledged not to resurrect a carbon tax, a policy that Carney himself previously championed. This leaves little room for ambitious climate policies in this election, with the New Democrats vowing to maintain the industrial carbon price and emissions cap, while the Greens stand out as the most environmentally focused party in the race.

Despite the pressing economic concerns facing Canadians, there is still a strong undercurrent of support for climate action. Laura Cameron, from Manitoba’s Climate Action Team, believes that the government can address both affordability and climate issues simultaneously.

On the provincial level, Manitoba’s NDP government has implemented populist policies that are seen as climate-agnostic. This includes a one-year gasoline tax holiday and a rate freeze for Manitoba Hydro, the province’s green energy producer. However, with infrastructure in disrepair and the need for a new fuel-burning power station looming, the government is facing challenges in meeting its renewable energy targets.

Premier Wab Kinew recently suggested that the province may not be able to transition away from fossil fuels as quickly as planned, citing the need to prioritize the province’s power needs in light of external threats. This shift has raised concerns among environmental advocates like Cameron, who emphasize the importance of reducing peak energy demand through alternative methods like geothermal heating and cooling systems.

While the focus on climate policy may have taken a backseat in the current election cycle, the need for sustainable energy solutions remains a critical issue for Canadians. As the campaign continues, voters will be looking to see how each party plans to balance economic concerns with environmental responsibilities.