Proposals for the Canadian Just Transition Act
-
Canadian federal just transition legislation should be rooted in principles from the International Labour Organization, guided by an independent advisory body, grounded in social dialogue with workers and employers, and designed to advance nation-to-nation relationships.
-
Jurisdictions leading on the just transition, such as New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, and the European Union, all have legislation grounding their efforts, and Canada can learn from their examples.
-
To ensure the just transition reflects the diversity of Canada's regions and sectors, the legislation should establish just transition agencies in each province and territory that can work together alongside a dedicated federal just transition minister and institution.
A legal framework is central to planning and implementing an orderly, just, and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy in Canada. Jurisdictions around the world that are leading the just transition—including New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, and the European Union—all have legislation grounding their just transition efforts. This brief canvases best practices from these jurisdictions and builds off the IISD report Making Good Green Jobs the Law: How Canada Can Build on International Best Practice to Advance Just Transition for All to make recommendations for federal just transition legislation here in Canada.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
Canada's Sustainable Jobs Legislation: A milestone for workers and communities on the path to net-zero
IISD celebrates the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, Bill C-50, being officially passed into law as a significant milestone to engage and support workers and communities in moving to a low-carbon economy.
IISD Welcomes Draft Regulations for Oil and Gas Pollution Cap
A firm cap on emissions can provide certainty for industry to invest in decarbonization, while ensuring the sector is on a path to net-zero by 2050.
How Indonesia's Incoming President Can Advance the Transition to Clean Energy
With Prabowo Subianto inaugurated as Indonesia’s President, speculation abounds about the new administration’s commitment to the clean energy transition and climate targets, given Prabowo’s positioning as the “continuity candidate.” The question is, what, exactly, will be continued?
Unlocking Clean Power for All
This report uses tipping point theory to advise where public funding can be strategically directed to catalyze renewable energy deployment in developing and emerging economies.