Should Canada Strengthen Its Carbon Pricing Rules?
Official title: Driving Effective Carbon Markets in Canada
The federal government wants feedback on tightening the rules that set minimum standards for carbon pricing across Canada. Right now, provinces can design their own carbon pricing systems, but they must meet federal benchmarks. This review will decide how strict those benchmarks should be through 2030 and beyond.
Why This Matters
Carbon pricing affects what you pay for gas, heating, and everyday goods. Stricter rules could mean higher costs for polluters—which might get passed on to consumers. But stronger incentives could also speed up the shift to cleaner energy and create jobs in clean tech.
What Could Change
The federal benchmark criteria for carbon pricing could become stricter. Industrial facilities may face tighter emissions limits and higher carbon costs. Provinces with weaker systems might need to strengthen them or face the federal backstop. New rules could also expand which industries are covered.
Key Issues
- How strict should carbon pricing be to drive decarbonization?
- How can carbon markets encourage investment in clean technology?
- How do we protect Canadian industries from losing competitiveness to countries with weaker climate rules?
How to Participate
- Read the federal carbon pollution pricing benchmark discussion paper to understand the proposed changes.
- Submit your feedback by email to tarificationducarbone-carbonpricing@ec.gc.ca by the deadline.
- To attend the technical webinar on January 6, 2026, email tarificationducarbone-carbonpricing@ec.gc.ca to register.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2026 | Technical Webinar on Federal Benchmark Criteria | Virtual |