Investing in our buildings and those who design, build, and maintain them is an investment in our safety from a range of vulnerabilities. From health emergencies like this one, to floods, fires, extreme temperatures, and other events we have experienced and will continue to experience as a result of climate change. The budget allocations for these programs should be commensurate with a major nation-building infrastructure investments. 

This is the ideal time to further decarbonization of Canada’s electricity technologies, improved connectivity between provinces, and electrification of end uses. Renewable energy is not only the cheapest option for generating electricity, but is one of the fastest growing employment sectors and a valuable source of revenue for local communities. Canada is well positioned for a massive growth in renewable energy development.

The immediate focus of financial assistance for people employed directly or indirectly by this sector should be geared toward indirect income support and health care for workers. Economic stimulus for this sector as a whole should take into account the fact employment opportunities have already decreased due to automation and shift in market demand, and will continue to decrease long-term as demand for non-emitting fuels increases as the world strives to limit warming into 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Carbon pricing is a symbol of progressive climate action and a critical tool in the climate toolkit. Rolling it back sends the wrong message to Canadians and the rest of the world. Providing economic relief to Canadians in a time of crisis will not be achieved by abdicating on carbon pricing.

Provide further tax cuts and other incentives for electric vehicle manufacturers and companies that develop and manufacture zero-emission technology. Invest in the commercial deployment of clean fuels and support for research and development and infrastructure (such as blender pumps and electric vehicle chargers). Invest in, and help make financing available for hydrogen production and distribution, and invest in the science and technology required for the long-term build-out of affordable low-carbon hydrogen production from zero-carbon electricity, low-carbon feedstocks and water.

From sheltering in place through the Covid-19 crisis, to the mass citizen uprising resulting from anti-black violence and systemic injustice towards racialized communities across North America, 2020 has been a year of unprecedented crisis, collapse and citizen action. Now, more than ever, we are witnessing  the crucial role of quality leadership in upholding the right for all citizens to live without fear of undue violence and barriers of systemic injustice holding them back.