Liberal Members of Parliament are gearing up for a national caucus assembly in Edmonton, with a focus on putting climate change at the forefront of political discussions by establishing a formal caucus dedicated to the issue. This initiative follows concerns among some MPs that Prime Minister Mark Carney has not prioritized green initiatives since taking office.
Éric St-Pierre, a newly elected MP from Montreal, highlighted the absence of an environmental caucus when he first entered Parliament. Together with Shannon Miedema, an MP from Nova Scotia, St-Pierre proposed the creation of a dedicated forum to address climate-related matters, mirroring existing caucuses for women’s and Indigenous issues.
Following virtual meetings during the summer, St-Pierre indicated that the caucus will convene in person in Edmonton, inviting all Liberal MPs to participate. Despite his climate philanthropy background, St-Pierre expressed confidence in Carney’s environmental commitment as the Prime Minister, emphasizing the expectation of forthcoming environmental proposals.
However, two unidentified MPs suggested that Carney should emphasize his previous role as the UN special envoy on climate action, given his extensive experience in championing climate initiatives. They expressed disappointment in Carney’s initial actions, such as canceling the consumer carbon price, a key climate policy under the previous government.
Some Liberals behind the scenes raised concerns about the government’s direction, including the approval of Bill C-5 to expedite major infrastructure projects, which included potential pipelines. There was also apprehension over the appointment of Dawn Farrell, the former CEO of Trans Mountain, to lead the Major Projects Office.
MP Alexandra Mendes of Brossard-Saint-Lambert stressed the importance of refocusing on environmental issues, reflecting the concerns voiced by constituents. Karina Gould, a former leadership candidate associated with the party’s progressive wing, echoed the sentiment, underscoring the significance of amplifying voices advocating for climate action within Carney’s administration.
While some Liberals advocate for a stronger environmental stance, others support Carney’s balanced approach between energy development and climate change mitigation. According to three MPs, this approach resonates with the broader Canadian population’s views, contrasting the previous government’s punitive environmental policies.
A recent Léger poll revealed that only four percent of respondents ranked the environment as their top concern, indicating varying priorities among Canadians. The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide comments, but the Minister of Environment’s director of communications reaffirmed Carney’s commitment to combating climate change and enhancing community resilience through ongoing investments nationwide.
