This letter is the formal confirmation of the extension of Canada’s Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation to December 31, 2022.
Action Plan Extension Letter
Dear partners:
I am writing to confirm our mutual agreement to extend Canada’s Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation (Action Plan) to December 31, 2022. I am pleased with our collective commitment to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and look forward to working with all of you and with partners on the next generation Action Plan that will set a path for long-term emission reductions from Canada’s aviation sector.
For well over a decade, the Government of Canada and industry have been working together under the Action Plan to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon intensity in the aviation sector. Canadian air operators have improved their GHG emission intensity by 18% from 2008 to 2018. This achievement is a result of continuous efforts by all areas of the aviation sector to implement key measures, including adopting new green technology, improving operations, investing in fleet upgrades, and building new infrastructure. Additionally, the Government of Canada and industry have collaborated in the development of new CO2 and non-volatile particulate matter emissions standards. Resources have also been dedicated to research and development to support the future use of sustainable aviation fuel, which is key to achieving long-term deep emission reductions.
Extending the Action Plan will enable continued reporting on measures to reduce GHG emissions and progress against the 1.5% annual fuel efficiency improvement target. It will also enable the Action Plan to continue to serve as Canada’s response to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) request for a State Action Plan.
This extension will provide parties to the Action Plan time to conduct a comprehensive renewal exercise and formalize a new plan in advance of the 41st ICAO Assembly in fall 2022. The renewal process will focus on a vision of net-zero emissions by 2050 and identify the near-term actions needed get there. We will build on experience to date, ensure that our approach responds to the current context, and strengthen government and industry collaboration.
Canada is committed to significantly reduce its carbon footprint in the fight to slow the pace of climate change. This is why the Government of Canada is determined to exceed its Paris Agreement target by achieving 40-45% GHG emission reductions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. To hold the government to account in this regard, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act was introduced in the House of Commons by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and received Royal Assent on June 29, 2021.
Canada signed the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition declaration at COP26, which includes commitments to prepare up-to-date state action plans and supports the adoption by ICAO of an ambitious long-term aspirational goal consistent with limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C and is in view of the global industry’s commitments towards net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Canada’s aviation industry is a strong ally in this fight to address climate change. The Action Plan demonstrates how voluntary collaboration has resulted in significant emission intensity improvements, which is important in advancing our shared climate ambition. Looking ahead, a renewed Action Plan will strengthen partnerships, chart a course for further efficiency gains, and detail ambitious collective efforts to reduce aviation emissions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest economic crisis in the history of modern aviation. Passenger traffic in Canada was down by close to 90%, which has impacted the entire sector and, in some cases, forced companies to cease operations. Even with broad vaccination, air travel demand is projected to remain low for some time and Canada’s air transport sector may expect to continue experiencing significant economic challenges for the foreseeable future. Under these difficult circumstances, I applaud the continued commitment shown by the parties to continue advancing green investment and initiatives while continuing to report progress under the Action Plan.
As Canada and its aviation sector focus on a green recovery and a net-zero emission future, I look forward to continuing our long history of collaboration and environmental stewardship as we come together to develop the next Action Plan.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Omar Alghabra, P.C., M.P. Minister of Transport
c.c. Mr. John McKenna, President and CEO Air Transport Association of Canada
Mr. Anthony Norejko, President and CEO Canadian Business Aviation Association
Mr. Raymond G. Bohn, President and CEO NAV CANADA
Mr. Mike Mueller, President and CEO Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Mrs. Monette Pasher, Interim President Canadian Airports Council
Mrs. Suzanne Acton-Gervais, Interim President and CEO National Airlines Council of Canada