Q & A WITH THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
What strategic priorities has the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada outlined for the year 2024?
This year, my goal is to fight climate change while making life more affordable for Canadians. To that end, my four priorities for 2024 are:
1. Creating sustainable jobs and industries
The transition to a net-zero emissions world must be people-focused. Canadian workers will lead this shift, with both skills they already have and skills they can acquire. That is why, in 2024, we're working to pass the Sustainable Jobs Act. This Act establishes a framework that centres around workers and communities, so that, no matter where you work, you benefit from the generational opportunity of a net-zero economy. Through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables, we're also are working directly with each province and territory on the issues that matter most to their economy and their citizens, to create opportunities and jobs for Canadians in every region of the country. In 2024, I'm focused on continuing to work with provinces and territories, workers, unions, and companies across the country to make sure every Canadian has access to a well-paying, sustainable job.
2. Reducing energy bills
Climate change is costly - not just for the environment, but for your wallet. We know that one of the fastest, cheapest ways to fight climate change and slash the costs of energy bills is to undertake home retrofits, like a installing heat pump, or new windows. The Government of Canada has a host of programs to help families do just that, including the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, the Canada Greener Homes Loan, and a soon-to-be announced second phase of the popular Canada Greener Homes Grant.
3. Preparing for upcoming wildfire, flood, and hurricane seasons
In 2023, Canadians faced the worst wildfire season in recorded history. Fighting these fires cost over $1 billion — a 60 per cent increase to the annual average. Scientists estimate this could continue to increase by hundreds of millions of dollars, if we don't take action to prepare properly and address climate change.
2023 showed us the costs that failure to act on climate change would bring to our health, environment, economy, and communities. In 2024, we’re investing millions of dollars to train and outfit firefighters across the country. We’re also accelerating our efforts to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, and build and maintain resilient infrastructure.
4. Installing more EV chargers
In 2035, all new vehicle sales in Canada will be electric. But every one of those cars needs a place to plug in, and we know that range anxiety is real. That's why we're investing over $1 billion in charging infrastructure and building a coast-to-coast network of chargers in all areas where Canadians live, work, and play. We have already announced funding for over 45,000 public charging stations to date, with tens of thousands more to come in 2024 and beyond, especially for rural and remote areas.
To read the entire interview, visit innovating canada.ca.