In a practice designed to enhance public transparency and accountability, that was pioneered by the Trudeau Liberals when they first formed government in 2015, the prime minister unveiled on Dec. 16 the individual mandate letters which specify, in some detail, what he expects each cabinet member to get done in carrying out the government’s agenda during the 44th Parliament.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Together, we will get the job done on vaccines, take strong climate action, put homeownership back in reach, create jobs and grow the middle class, and walk the shared path of reconciliation,” Trudeau said in a statement accompanying the mandate letters.
While customized for each cabinet minister, the mandate letters contain some common elements, including directing every minister to “move faster on the path of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples,” implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and “work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance their rights.”
All ministers are also told to prioritize diversity and equality. “We must continue to address the profound systemic inequities and disparities that remain present in the core fabric of our society, including our core institutions,” the prime minister writes in his signed mandate letters. “To this effect, it is essential that Canadians in every region of the country see themselves reflected in our government’s priorities and our work. As Minister, I expect you to include and collaborate with various communities, and actively seek out and incorporate in your work, the diverse views of Canadians. This includes women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, newcomers, faith-based communities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2 Canadians, and, in both official languages.”
The prime minister said his government remains “committed to ensuring that public policies are informed and developed through an intersectional lens, including applying frameworks such as Gender-based Analysis Plus and the quality of life indicators in decision-making.”
Below are excerpts from the to-do lists given to ministers holding key business-, law- and justice-related cabinet posts:
Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti
Attorney General David Lametti
Secure swift passage of legislation to make it a criminal offence to obstruct access to health services and to intimidate or threaten health-care professionals or Canadians receiving health care.
Work with Indigenous Peoples to accelerate the co-development of an action plan to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Declaration.
Work with Indigenous partners to appoint a special interlocutor who will work with Indigenous communities and provincial and territorial governments to support the development of a legal and regulatory framework to advance justice regarding unmarked graves and make recommendations related to federal laws, regulations, policies and practices surrounding unmarked and undocumented graves and burial sites at residential schools.
Build on the recent passage of Bill C-4, which criminalized conversion therapy, to ensure that Canadian justice policy protects the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 Canadians.
Work to ensure the federal benches are gender-balanced and reflective of Canada’s diversity by working with relevant stakeholders to encourage women, Black and racialized Canadians, Indigenous Peoples and LGBTQ2 Canadians to join the bench and the legal profession. Work with the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs to better track diversity data for both new and past appointees to the bench.
Address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Black and racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system and ensure all Canadians have access to fair and just treatment, including by securing support for the swift passage of Bill C-5 to reduce reliance on mandatory minimum penalties and promote non-criminal approaches to drug possession.
Develop, in consultation and co-operation with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners, an Indigenous Justice Strategy; and, in consultation and co-operation with provinces, territories and Black Canadians, a Black Canadians Justice Strategy.
Work to make drug treatment courts the default option for first-time non-violent offenders.
Work with provinces and territories and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to help all Canadians have greater access to mental health courts to provide people suffering from mental health illnesses with a path to recovery, and expand access to culturally appropriate, trauma-informed mental health services for Indigenous Peoples who access treatment through mental health courts.
“Enhance access to justice by bringing our court system into the 21st century, including by working with provinces and territories to make better use of technology and virtual court services.”
Continue work to advance the establishment of an independent Criminal Case Review Commission to improve access to justice for potentially wrongfully convicted people to have their applications reviewed.
Continue efforts with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to “develop and introduce legislation as soon as possible to combat serious forms of harmful online content to protect Canadians and hold social media platforms and other online services accountable for the content they host, including by strengthening the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to more effectively combat online hate, and reintroduce measures to strengthen hate speech provisions, including the re-enactment of the former section 13 provision. This legislation should reflect the feedback received during recent consultations.
Support the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion in the development of the National Action Plan on Combatting Hate, including by establishing a National Support Fund for Survivors of Hate-Motivated Crimes to help survivors.
Advance the priorities of Indigenous communities to reclaim jurisdiction over the administration of justice in collaboration with the provinces and territories, and support and fund the revitalization of Indigenous laws, legal systems and traditions.
Work with the Minister of Public Safety to bring forward measures to counter the rise of ideologically inspired violent extremism and strengthen the capacity of Canadian police and prosecutors to bring to justice cybercriminals and terror suspects to the fullest extent of the law.
Increase maximum penalties for firearms trafficking and smuggling.
Revive the Law Commission of Canada to provide independent advice on law reform needed on the complex legal issues Canadians face, such as systemic racism in the justice system, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, issues around climate change and rapid technological shifts in the world.
Strengthen Canada’s approach to elder abuse by finalizing the national definition of elder abuse, investing in better data collection and establishing new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse.
Work with provinces and territories to support the development of specialized sexual violence courts.
Support the Minister of Public Safety in their work to strengthen the laws and investigative powers related to major financial crimes and to bring forward a proposal to establish a Canada Financial Crimes Agency.
Secure support for the swift passage of reforms to the judicial discipline process in the Judges Act to ensure the process is fair, effective and efficient so as to foster greater confidence in the judicial system.
Continue to advance the National Cyber Security Action Plan, ensuring Canada is well positioned to adapt to and combat cyber risks and ensure the security and integrity of Canada’s critical systems.
Building on previous public consultations and technical engagements amongst experts, continue substantive review of the Privacy Act including engagement with Indigenous partners to develop specific proposals for amendments to the Privacy Act to keep pace with the effects of both technological change and evolving Canadian values.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser
Prioritize ongoing work to strengthen Canada’s immigration and refugee system, including bringing in more newcomers to all regions of Canada who will support Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Act with urgency” to provide resettlement opportunities for people under threat, including Afghan citizens and human rights defenders. Continue to strengthen family reunification and reduce application processing times, especially those impacted by COVID-19.
Continue to bring newcomers to Canada to drive economic growth and recovery, as set out in the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan.
Expand the new immigration stream for human rights defenders, and work with civil society groups to provide resettlement opportunities for people under threat.
Continue to facilitate the safe passage and resettlement of vulnerable people from Afghanistan, with an emphasis on individuals who supported Canada and its allies over the past two decades, women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities, and increase the number of eligible refugees from 20,000 to “at least” 40,000.
Reduce application processing times, including to address delays that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Work to strengthen family reunification by introducing electronic applications for family reunification and implementing a program to issue temporary resident status to spouses and children abroad while they wait for the processing of their permanent residency application.
Make the citizenship application process free for permanent residents who have fulfilled the requirements needed to obtain it.
With the Minister of Employment, establish a Trusted Employer system for Canadian companies hiring temporary foreign workers and, as part of improving the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, simplify permit renewals, uphold the two-week processing time and establish an employer hotline. Continue to work with provinces, territories and regulatory bodies to improve foreign credential recognition.
Build on existing pilot programs to further explore ways of regularizing status for undocumented workers who are contributing to Canadian communities.
Continue working with Quebec to support the French-language knowledge of immigrants in Quebec, respecting provincial jurisdiction and complementing existing measures, and continue to implement an ambitious national strategy to support francophone immigration across the country.
Lead the government’s work on irregular migration, including continued work with the United States to modernize the Safe Third Country Agreement.
Expand pathways to permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign workers, including agricultural temporary foreign workers, through the Express Entry system.
Building on the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, work with employers and communities across Canada to welcome 2,000 skilled refugees to fill labour shortages in high-demand sectors, such as health care.
Ensure that immigration better supports small- and medium-size communities that require additional immigrants, including expanding the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, moving forward on the Municipal Nominee Program, and making the Atlantic Immigration Pilot a permanent program.
Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino
Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino
Implement Bill C-71 regulations for firearms licence verification and business record-keeping.
- Make it mandatory for owners to sell banned assault weapons back to the government for destruction or have them rendered inoperable at the government’s expense.
- Require the permanent alteration of long-gun magazines so that they can never hold more than five rounds.
- Ban the sale or transfer of magazines capable of holding more than the legal number of bullets.
- Providing financial support to provinces and territories that implement a ban on handguns across their jurisdiction.
- Implement the gang prevention and intervention program to provide direct funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities.
- Work with the Minister of Justice to introduce “red flag” laws to allow the immediate removal of firearms if that person is a threat to themselves or others, particularly to their spouse or partner, and increase maximum penalties for firearms trafficking and smuggling.
Accelerate action to reform the RCMP, including by enhancing the Management Advisory Board to create an oversight role over the RCMP and externalizing the Independent Centre for Harassment Resolution.
Establish defined timelines to respond to recommendations from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission.
Launch an external review of the RCMP’s sanctions and disciplinary regime to determine the adequacy of existing sanctions and whether they are applied properly and consistently.
Prohibit the use of neck restraints “in any circumstance” and the use of tear gas or rubber bullets for crowd control, alongside developing national standards for the use of force; and conduct an external review of de-escalation training to make sure it results in the safest possible outcomes for officers and Canadians.
Introduce legislation to create a review body for the Canada Border Services Agency, including defined timelines for responding to complaints and recommendations.
Continue to work with First Nations to co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing, and conduct an assessment of contract policing in consultation with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and stakeholders.
Accelerate work to establish a dedicated unit to investigate all forms of major financial crime and consider options to strengthen laws and investigative powers relating to financial crimes.
Work to bring forward a proposal for the establishment of the Canada Financial Crimes Agency, whose sole purpose will be to investigate such highly complex crimes.
Contribute to broader efforts to promote economic security and combat foreign interference by:
- introducing legislation to safeguard Canada’s critical infrastructure, including 5G networks;
- expanding collaboration and information and intelligence-sharing with Canadian partners and all orders of government to address security risks in foreign research and investment partnerships; and increasing resources available to the RCMP and national security agencies for this purpose.
Safeguard Canada’s world-leading research ecosystem, as well as intellectual property, and continue to advance the National Cyber Security Action Plan, ensuring Canada is well positioned to adapt to and combat cyber risks and ensure the security and integrity of Canada’s critical systems.
Support an integrated government response to protect Canada’s democratic institutions, including the federal electoral process, against foreign interference and disinformation, including cyber threats, and support the Minister of National Defence to ensure that Canada can rapidly respond to evolving risks and threats in cyberspace.
Work to develop and implement a renewed National Cyber Security Strategy, which will articulate Canada’s long-term strategy to protect national security and economy, deter cyber threat actors, and promote norms-based international behaviour in cyberspace.
Work with the Minister of Justice to bring forward measures to counter the rise of ideologically inspired violent extremism, and strengthen the capacity of Canadian police and prosecutors to bring to justice cybercriminals and terror suspects “to the fullest extent of the law.”
Combat systemic racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system, including across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians, and support the Minister of Justice in his work to address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Black and racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples in the justice system.
Support the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion in the development of a National Action Plan on Combatting Hate, including by exploring potential adjustments to the Security Infrastructure Program to enhance effectiveness and to be more responsive to community needs.
Support the Minister of Labour in introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and ensure that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.
Engage with provinces and territories to enact Clare’s Law so that individuals at risk of domestic violence can request information from the police, including from the RCMP, about their partner’s violent history.
Continue modernizing infrastructure and processes at Canada’s ports of entry, including digital and right touch technology for travellers and conveyances, and ensuring the safety, security and integrity of borders, including measures to address irregular migration and combat firearms and illicit drug trafficking.
Advance reforms to the pardons program “to address systemic barriers, promote reintegration and ensure the system is fair and proportionate.”
Develop a Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism in consultation with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, Black communities and other stakeholders. “As part of this work, consider how to ensure that federal correctional institutions are safe and humane environments, free from violence and sexual harassment, and promote rehabilitation and public safety.”
Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland
“At the core of our work is continuing to have Canadians’ backs.” As finance minister immediate priority is to ensure targeted supports remain available, as needed, for Canadians and businesses that continue to struggle due to COVID-19.
Top up the Safe Return to Class Fund for ventilation improvement projects across Canada, provide funding for First Nations to improve indoor air quality in on-reserve schools, and introduce a tax credit for small businesses to make it easier for them to invest in better ventilation.
Increase the Eligible Educator School Supply Tax Credit to 25 per cent, expand eligibility to include tech devices, and ensure that teaching supplies purchased for employment duties are eligible no matter where those duties are performed.
Continue to support business recovery and workers, including by securing the passage of and implementing legislation that extends the Canada Recovery Hiring Program, introduces temporary rent and wage supports for the hard-hit tourism and hospitality sectors and arts and culture industries and provides emergency support to businesses and workers in the event of future public health lockdowns.
Ensure that all Canadians and businesses contribute their fair share to a stronger economic recovery by:
- Introducing legislation to raise the corporate income tax payable by banks and insurance companies that earn more than $1 billion and requiring them to pay a temporary Canada Recovery Dividend;
- Establishing a minimum 15-per-cent tax rule for top-bracket earners;
- Implementing a tax on luxury cars, boats and planes;
- “to close the tax gap and combat aggressive tax planning and avoidance,” and
- Modernizing the general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) regime “to focus on economic substance and restrict the ability of federally regulated entities, including financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, to use tiered structures as a form of corporate tax planning that flows Canadian-derived profit through entities in low-tax jurisdictions in order to reduce taxes back in Canada.”
To protect Canadian supply chains and ensure that Canada’s trading relationships are mutually beneficial economic relationships, introduce a reciprocal procurement policy that will ensure goods and services are procured from countries that grant Canadian businesses a similar level of market access.
To address labour shortages and help businesses grow, introduce a Labour Mobility Tax Credit of up to $600 a year for workers in the building and construction trades in eligible travel and temporary relocation expenses, and a Career Extension Tax Credit of up to $1,650 a year for seniors who want to stay in the workforce.
Work with the prime minister to champion the adoption of a global minimum standard on carbon pricing while continuing to consult with Canadians and actively engage with provinces, territories and key trading partners, including the United States and the European Union, to inform the development of an approach to applying Border Carbon Adjustments to imports from countries that are not doing their part to reduce carbon pollution and fight climate change. Consider applying Border Carbon Adjustments to emissions-intensive imports, such as steel, cement and aluminum.
Make appropriate investments to achieve a 100 per cent net-zero electricity system by 2035, accelerate the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and other clean technologies and advance the decarbonization of buildings and broader industry.
Work to accelerate Canada’s G20 commitment to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies from 2025 to 2023, develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector, including by federal Crown corporations, and eliminate flow-through shares for oil, gas and coal projects.
Introduce an investment tax credit for capital invested in Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage projects.
In support of comprehensive action to achieve a Just Transition, help ensure that workers and communities prosper as the country moves to net-zero by working with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development to establish a new Futures Fund for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador that supports local and regional economic diversification and place-based strategies.
Support clean energy and clean technologies by introducing additional investment tax credits for renewable energy and battery storage solutions; doubling the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for minerals essential to the manufacture of vital clean technologies; and establishing an investment tax credit of up to 30 per cent for a broad range of clean technologies, both market-ready and emerging, to be identified in ongoing consultation with experts.
Work with provinces and territories to move toward mandatory climate-related financial disclosures based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures framework, and require federally regulated institutions, including financial institutions, pension funds and government agencies, to issue climate-related financial disclosures and net-zero plans.
Launch an annual program of green bond issuances with an initial issuance of $5 billion; and consult with financial experts, including the Sustainable Finance Action Council, to develop a net-zero capital allocation strategy to accelerate Canada’s transition to a prosperous net-zero future.
To extend the life of home appliances, introduce a 15 per cent tax credit of up to $500 to cover the cost of repairs performed by technicians.
Support first-time home buyers by introducing legislation to double the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit; working with financial institutions to create a tax-free First Home Savings Account; and, as an option to the current shared-equity mortgage, developing with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation a loan program, repayable only at the time of sale.
Support homeowners “by introducing legislation to double the Home Accessibility Tax Credit and to establish a new Multigenerational Home Renovation tax credit; and ensure CMHC undertakes a review of its insurance policies to assess whether such policies are appropriately supportive of CMHC’s aspiration that, by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home that they can afford and that meets their needs.”
Support the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion in making critical investments and priority policy decisions to expand Canada’s housing supply, and in continuing to advance our investments in affordable housing and extending the model of co-operative housing to new communities.
In support of a Fairness in Real Estate Action Plan, work with the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion to deter “renovictions” and address housing affordability in Canada, including by:
- Introducing amendments to the Income Tax Act to require landlords to disclose in their tax filings the rent they receive pre- and post-renovation and to pay a proportional surtax if the increase in rent is excessive;
- Establishing an anti-flipping tax on residential properties, requiring properties to be held for at least 12 months;
- Implementing Canada’s tax on non-resident, non-Canadian owners of vacant, underused housing, and subsequently working to include foreign-owned vacant land within large urban areas;
- Reviewing and considering possible reforms to the tax treatment of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS), reviewing the down payment requirements for investment properties, and developing policies to curb excessive profits while protecting small independent landlords;
- Considering measures to increase consumer protection and transparency in real estate transactions, including a ban on blind bidding;
- Establishing a ban on foreign investment capital in non-recreational residential property for the next two years.
Advance the priority of Indigenous communities to reclaim full jurisdiction over tax matters.
Continue to work with our global partners to bring the new OECD/G20 agreement on tax reform related to the world’s largest corporations into effect and then legislate its implementation, while also moving ahead with legislation to implement a Digital Services Tax to come into effect in 2024, if the treaty is not in force.
To boost business investment and productivity, introduce amendments to the Income Tax Act to allow privately owned, Canadian-controlled businesses to expense up to $1.5 million of growth-enhancing investments, such as software, patents and machinery; and reform the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program to reduce red tape, align eligible expenses with today’s innovation and R&D, and make the program more generous for companies that take the biggest risks.
Introduce a one-time income tax deduction for health-care professionals who are just starting out in their careers to help with the costs of setting up their practice in a rural community.
Introduce amendments to the Income Tax Act to make anti-abortion organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women about their rights and options ineligible for charitable status, and to expand the Medical Expense Tax Credit to include costs reimbursed to surrogate mothers for IVF expenses.
Move forward with a national tax on vaping products.
Convert the Canada Caregiver Credit into a refundable tax-free benefit, allowing caregivers to receive up to $1,250 a year.
Work with provinces and territories over the next review cycle to increase the Canada Pension Plan and Quebec Pension Plan survivor’s benefit by 25 per cent.
Move forward on the government’s commitment to adapt and apply the Canada Business Corporations Act diversity requirements to federally regulated financial institutions to ensure diversity in senior ranks.
Require federally regulated financial institutions to offer flexible repayment options to individuals who face a life event causing financial stress, including a six-month deferral of mortgage payments in qualifying circumstances.
Establish a permanent Council of Economic Advisors to provide the government with independent advice and policy options on long-term economic growth that will help Canada achieve a higher standard of living, better quality of life, inclusive growth and a more innovative and skillful economy.
Establish a single, independent ombudsperson, with the power to impose binding arbitration, to address consumer complaints involving banks.
Crack down on predatory lenders by lowering the criminal rate of interest.
Advance legislation to enhance the powers of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to review bank fees and charges and to require adjustments if they are excessive.
Continue to engage with stakeholders to lower the average overall cost of interchange fees for merchants, proceeding in a way that ensures small businesses benefit from this work and protects existing reward points of consumers.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller
First and foremost priority to work in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to continue building nation-to-nation relationships and support self-determination, including supporting First Nations communities as they transition to self-government and move away from the Indian Act. “Immediate priority is to provide the necessary supports for communities as they undertake searches of unmarked graves and burial sites at residential schools, and ensure supports for healing and commemoration to preserve and protect the rights and dignity of children who never made it home.”
Lead the work of all ministers to accelerate the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action and implement the 2021 Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, including providing sustainable resources to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and advance the 2021 National Action Plan to address missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Address the history and legacy of residential schools, including by continuing to provide the necessary supports to communities who wish to continue to undertake the work of burial searches at the sites of former residential schools and other federally run institutions, such as day schools and Indian hospitals.
Provide funding towards the construction of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and ensure it has sustained financial resources to successfully fulfil its mandate, with dedicated ongoing support for the work on missing children and unmarked graves.
Continue to work with First Nations partners to ensure fair and equitable compensation for those harmed by the First Nations Child and Family Services program and to ensure the long-term reform of child and family services in First Nations communities, including to help children and families stay together and provide First Nations youth who reach the age of majority the supports they need for up to two additional years.
In partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, continue to make immediate and long-term investments to support ongoing work to close the infrastructure gap by 2030, with a particular focus on expediting investments in Indigenous housing, with over half of the funding available by the upcoming summer construction period, while concurrently working to establish Indigenous-led institutions to build housing and infrastructure.
Continue to support Indigenous-led processes for rebuilding and reconstituting their nations and advancing self-determination, and work in partnership on the implementation of the spirit and intent of treaties, and land claim and self-government agreements with appropriate oversight mechanisms to hold the federal government accountable.
Accelerate the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination processes, with particular focus on reforming federal government structures, notably to support self-determination consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Accelerate ongoing work with First Nations to redesign federal policies on additions-to-reserves and the Specific Claims process to provide just and timely resolution, conscious of the need for a fairer and more equitable process, accelerate the resolution of outstanding land claims and, as set out in the permanent bilateral process, meet regularly with the Assembly of First Nations and rights holders to make progress on First Nations priorities.
Work with existing and traditional Indigenous governments and leaders, whose nations and forms of governance were suppressed and ignored historically by the federal government, “to restore respectful nation-to-nation relations, in the spirit of self-determination, by renewing and updating treaty relationships where they exist, including pre-Confederation treaties, and by seeking viable, trusting and respectful relationships where no treaty exists.”
Work with Inuit to finalize a co-developed Inuit Nunangat Policy and accelerate its implementation, continue work to fully implement Inuit land claim agreements and meet regularly through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee to make progress on Inuit priorities.
Continue moving forward on Self Government Recognition and Implementation Agreements with the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, and on the Self-Government Framework Agreement with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, and meet regularly with Métis Nation partners to make progress on Métis priorities.
Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier
Immediate priority “is to continue supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses impacted by COVID-19, while ensuring the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) delivers client-centric service and intensifying efforts to reinforce the fairness of the tax system by ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.”
Support business recovery and workers by implementing the enhanced Canada Workers Benefit and ensuring Canadians who qualify are automatically enrolled, with the benefit delivered on a quarterly basis, as well as by extending and increasing the Simplified Home Office Expense Deduction for employees for an additional two years and ensuring the effective delivery and integrity of other relief and recovery measures delivered by the CRA.
Increase resources to strengthen the work of the CRA “to combat aggressive tax planning, tax avoidance and tax evasion that allows the wealthiest to avoid paying the taxes that they owe.”
Continue to work on modernizing the CRA to provide a “seamless, empathetic and client-centric experience”, including by making information easier to find and understand, accelerating the use of digital tools and enhancing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
Support the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson for their study to address concerns of charitable organizations, so that no equity-deserving organization is subject to bias.
Strengthen the work of the CRA to improve its capacity to audit real estate transactions.
Support the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in their work to implement a beneficial ownership registry.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough
“Immediate priority” is to support workers whose work has been interrupted by public health measures. Also build a better, more inclusive employment insurance system, complete and advance early and significant actions under Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and help workers and communities prosper as the country moves to net-zero, including through the launch of a Clean Jobs Training Centre.
Secure passage and ensure implementation of a new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit to support workers whose work is interrupted due to public health measures.
Work with the Minister of Health and provinces and territories to train up to 50,000 new personal support workers.
Move forward with the design, introduction and implementation of a Canada Disability Benefit Act and Canada Disability Benefit for low-income working age persons with disabilities.
Taking into account input received through consultations on the future of Employment Insurance, by summer 2022, begin implementing a plan to modernize the EI system, “building a stronger and more inclusive system that covers all workers, including workers in seasonal employment and persons employed by digital platforms, ensuring the system is simpler and more responsive for workers and employers.”
In addition to moving forward with extending EI sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks, the plan will include: a new EI benefit for self-employed Canadians that would provide unemployment assistance comparable to EI and lasting for as many as 26 weeks; a new 15-week benefit for adoptive parents; a new EI Career Insurance Benefit to provide long-tenured workers who have lost their job with additional income support while they reintegrate into the labour market; and “consideration of the realities of artists and cultural workers.”
Finalize and release Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, in consultation with the disability community, with early actions in key areas of financial security and employment, creating disability-inclusive spaces and adopting a modern approach to, and common definition of, disability across the federal government. Actions will include launching an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities and implementing the Accessible Canada Act and the harmonization of accessibility standards across Canada.
Permanently eliminate federal interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans; increase the repayment assistance threshold to $50,000 for Canada Student Loan borrowers who are single, and make appropriate adjustments to the thresholds for other family sizes; and allow new parents to pause repayment of their federal student loans until their youngest child reaches age 5.
Support the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Labour in moving forward with legislation and comprehensive action to achieve a Just Transition, guided by consultations with workers, unions, Indigenous Peoples, employers, communities, and provinces and territories.
Launch a Clean Jobs Training Centre to help workers across sectors upgrade, or gain new skills, so as to be on the leading edge of zero-carbon industry.
Redesign and implement the Canada Training Benefit; and address gaps in training and upskilling to ensure that all Canadian workers can take advantage of sustainable battery industry opportunities.
With the Minister of Immigration, establish a Trusted Employer system for Canadian companies hiring temporary foreign workers and, as part of improving the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, simplify permit renewals, uphold the two-week processing time, and establish an employer hotline. Continue to work with provinces, territories and regulatory bodies to improve foreign credential recognition.
Implement sector-based work permits, and strengthen the inspection regime to ensure the health and safety of temporary foreign workers.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne
Lead efforts to create more jobs and achieve long-term economic and industrial transformation towards a low-carbon future, including through the strategic delivery of the Net Zero Accelerator Initiative. Work to ensure that Canada is a world leader in clean technology, with a focus on critical minerals and the development of a sustainable battery innovation and industrial ecosystem, and position Canada to seize the opportunities of the digital economy, protecting rights and competitiveness and establishing a digital policy task force to help integrate efforts across government. Continue to implement the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy to improve economic growth and ensure pandemic readiness for years to come.
Establish a digital policy task force to integrate efforts across government and position Canada as a leader in the digital economy and in shaping global governance of emerging technologies.
Introduce legislation to advance the Digital Charter, strengthen privacy protections for consumers and provide a clear set of rules that ensure fair competition in the online marketplace.
Work with the Minister of Health to continue demonstrating leadership in public health by strengthening surveillance and capacity to detect and act on public health threats, strengthening the security of medical supply chains, working with colleagues to advance the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, and investing in the study of the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, including the effects of “long COVID” on different groups, notably vulnerable populations and children.
Lead the creation of a new fund to pursue “moonshot research into high-impact illnesses where a vaccine may be possible.”
Continue to support the economic growth and recovery of Canada’s traditionally strong industries, including but not limited to, automotive, aerospace, natural resources and agri-food, to increase productivity and innovation, and to strengthen the manufacturing base of Canada.
Support the Mines to Mobility Strategy by attracting anchor investments in key areas like minerals processing, cell manufacturing and zero-emissions vehicle parts and assembly manufacturing, and use all tools, including the Investment Canada Act, to ensure the protection and development of Canada’s critical minerals.
Work with the Minister of Natural Resources to develop and launch a Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to position Canada at the forefront of critical mineral exploration, extraction, processing and manufacturing, as a global leader in the production of batteries, and other clean and digital technologies, as well as to develop a sustainable battery innovation and industrial ecosystem in Canada, including to establish Canada as a global leader in battery manufacturing, recycling and reuse.
Advance efforts to make Canada a world leader in clean technology.
Work with the Minister of Natural Resources on the development of model building codes, including publishing a net-zero emissions building code and model retrofit code by the end of 2024 that align with national climate objectives and provide a standard for climate-resilient buildings. Also work to amend the National Building Code of Canada to specify firefighter and first-responder safety as a core objective.
Work with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the creation of a new infrastructure and innovation fund that will scale up and commercialize made-in-Canada technologies and solutions for the reuse and recycling of plastics.
Work with the Minister of Natural Resources to establish a global centre for excellence on methane detection and elimination.
Support the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the president of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness to develop a climate data strategy to ensure that the private sector and communities have access to data to inform planning and infrastructure investments.
Contribute to broader efforts to promote economic security and combat foreign interference “by reviewing and modernizing the Investment Canada Act to strengthen the national security review process and better identify and mitigate economic security threats from foreign investment.”
Advance the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and additional measures, such as advancing standards and continuing to lead international efforts around co-ordination, to support artificial intelligence innovations and research in Canada.
Launch a National Quantum Strategy to amplify Canada’s strength in quantum research and grow our quantum-ready technologies, companies and talent.
Establish a new fund to help colleges and universities commercialize leading research, including “identifying and securing patent rights for research done within their institutions and connecting researchers with people and businesses to help put these innovations into action and grow our economy.”
Work with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to amend the Copyright Act “to further protect artists, creators and copyright holders, including to allow resale rights for artists.”
To enhance consumer protection and ensure a level playing field for all businesses, “undertake a broad review of the current legislative and structural elements that may restrict or hinder competition. This includes directly reviewing the mandate of the Commissioner of Competition, and in so doing, ensuring that Canadians are protected from anti-consumer practices in critical sectors, including in the oil and gas, telecommunications and financial services sectors.”
Work with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to implement a ‘right to repair’ to extend the life of home appliances, particularly electronics, by requiring manufacturers to supply repair manuals and spare parts, “and by amending the Copyright Act to allow for the repair of digital devices and systems.”
Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Immediate priorities are to work with federally regulated workplaces to ensure that COVID-19 vaccinations are enforced for those workers and to advance amendments to the Canada Labour Code to provide 10 paid days of sick leave for all federally regulated workers. Work with federally regulated employers and labour groups, and with provincial and territorial counterparts, to make workplaces fairer and safer for everyone across the country as well as lead government efforts to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains.
Convene provinces and territories “to develop a national action plan to legislate sick leave across the country while respecting provincial-territorial jurisdiction and the unique needs of small business owners.”
Complete the development of a right-to-disconnect policy, in consultation with federally regulated employers and labour groups.
“Secure passage of amendments to the Canada Labour Code to include mental health as a specific element of occupational health and safety, and to require federally regulated employers to take preventative steps to address workplace stress and injury.”
Amend the Canada Labour Code to provide up to five new paid leave days for federally regulated employees who experience a miscarriage or still birth, and to strengthen provisions to better support working women who need to be reassigned during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
Work with the provincial and territorial governments to fully implement the International Labour Organization Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019, and continue to support employers and unions to strengthen harassment and violence prevention measures in federally regulated workplaces.
Work to accelerate the review of the Employment Equity Act and ensure timely implementation of improvements.
Advance the implementation of the Pay Equity Act across federally regulated workplaces.
Create a fairer collective bargaining process in federally regulated workplaces by “advancing legislation to prohibit the use of replacement workers when a unionized employer has locked out its employees.”
Support the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to introduce a Labour Mobility Tax Credit to allow workers in the building and construction trades to expense eligible travel and temporary relocation costs.
Work with the Minister of Natural Resources in moving forward with legislation and comprehensive action to achieve a Just Transition, guided by consultations with workers, unions, Indigenous Peoples, employers, communities and provinces and territories to support the future and livelihood of workers and their communities in the transition to a low carbon economy.
Work to advance “amendments that entitle workers employed by digital platforms to job protections under the Canada Labour Code.”
Introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, and ensure that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez
Immediate focus will be to ensure artists and cultural industries have the supports they need to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure Canada’s laws reflect the evolving digital world, “work to introduce legislation to reform the Broadcasting Act, ask web giants to pay their fair share and combat serious forms of harmful online content.”
“Increase the funding for the Court Challenges Program, which supports Canadians in legal cases of national significance that clarify official language rights and human rights.”
Implement a COVID-19 transitional support program to provide emergency relief to artists and cultural workers.
To honour residential school survivors and all the children who were taken from their families and communities, work with Indigenous leadership, survivors, families, communities and experts on the planning, design and construction of a national monument in Ottawa.
Work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation to ensure that the Indigenous Languages Act continues to be fully implemented, and is supported by long-term, predictable and sustainable funding in order to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada.
Reintroduce legislation to reform the Broadcasting Act to ensure foreign web giants contribute to the creation and promotion of Canadian stories and music.
“Swiftly introduce legislation” to require digital platforms that generate revenues from the publication of news content to share a portion of their revenues with Canadian news outlets to level the playing field between global platforms and Canadian outlets. The legislation should be modelled on the Australian approach and introduced “in early 2022.”
Continue efforts with the Minister of Justice to develop and introduce legislation “as soon as possible to combat serious forms of harmful online content to protect Canadians and hold social media platforms and other online services accountable for the content they host. This legislation should be reflective of the feedback received during the recent consultations.”
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault
Drive the government’s climate plan, delivering on policy and fiscal measures outlined in the Strengthened Climate Plan, adopting additional measures to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Accelerate the work of adapting to the impacts of climate change. Set out, by the end of March 2022, how Canada will meet the legislated 2030 climate goals, including new measures related to capping, and cutting, oil- and gas-sector emissions, further reducing methane emissions, mandating the sale of zero-emissions vehicles, and setting Canada on a path to achieve an electricity grid with net-zero emissions by 2035.
Work with other ministers and Crown corporations to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. Work to protect communities and Canada’s natural habitats and waters, including by advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts.
Support colleagues across government to ensure delivery of all policy and fiscal measures outlined in the government’s Strengthened Climate Plan, implement the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, and, by the end of March 2022, bring forward an updated Emissions Reduction Plan to achieve a 40- to 45-per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels.
Recognize the “right to a healthy environment” in federal law, and introduce legislation to require the development of an environmental justice strategy and the examination of the link between race, socioeconomic status and exposure to environmental risk.
Introduce legislation to protect animals in captivity.
Introduce comprehensive legislation to protect federally owned historic places.
Work with all Canadians and the Net-Zero Advisory Body to identify ways to further accelerate climate action to achieve net-zero emissions “as soon as possible and no later than 2050 and to pursue efforts to limit the increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels.”
With the support of the Minister of Natural Resources, cap oil- and-gas-sector emissions at current levels, and ensure that the sector makes an ambitious and achievable contribution to meeting the country’s 2030 climate goals, taking into account the advice of the Net-Zero Advisory Body and others, including provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, industry and civil society, and require the oil and gas sector to reduce emissions at a pace and scale needed to align with the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050, with five-year targets to stay on track.
Make progress on methane emission reductions by developing a plan to reduce emissions across the broader Canadian economy consistent with the Global Methane Pledge and “require through regulations the reduction of oil-and-gas methane emissions” by at least 75 per cent below 2012 levels by 2030.
Continue “Canadian leadership in international efforts to combat climate change.”
Work with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development to continue Canada’s leadership on the global effort to phase out coal-powered electricity and the mining of thermal coal, and ban thermal coal exports from, and through Canada, “as swiftly as possible, and no later than 2030.”
Work with the Minister of International Development to mobilize and provide climate finance in order to support developing-country adaptation, mitigation and resilience, including support for small island states at particular risk of climate-related emergencies.
Support the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in the implementation of the Net Zero Accelerator initiative, with an emphasis on ensuring that investments drive industrial transition and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions on a scale consistent with achieving Canada’s climate goals and meaningfully transform Canadian industry to lead and compete in a net-zero emissions future.
Work with industry, labour and other stakeholders to develop a regulated-sales mandate that at least 50 per cent of all new light duty vehicle sales be zero emissions vehicles in 2030 “as an interim step toward achieving Canada’s mandatory target of 100 per cent by 2035, and a regulated sales requirement that 100 per cent of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales be zero emission by 2040, where feasible.”
With the support of the Minister of Natural Resources, introduce a Clean Electricity Standard to achieve a net-zero clean electricity grid by 2035 and achieve a 100 per cent net-zero emitting electricity future.
Support efforts to advance the Atlantic Loop initiative to connect surplus clean power to regions transitioning away from coal and to help transform how we power our economy and communities.
Continue putting a rising price on pollution and protect Canadian jobs and competitiveness through smart carbon pricing design.
Finalize Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy in 2022, setting clear goals and indicators to measure progress, and strengthen the business case for, adaptation.
Work with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and with the support of the Minister of Natural Resources, to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies from 2025 to 2023, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector, including by federal Crown corporations.
Support the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in working with provinces and territories to move toward mandatory climate-related financial disclosures based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures framework, and in requiring federally regulated institutions, including financial institutions, pension funds and government agencies, to issue climate-related financial disclosures and net-zero plans.
Work with the president of the Treasury Board on the application of a climate lens to ensure climate adaptation and mitigation considerations are integrated throughout federal government decision-making.
Work collaboratively with other ministers “to develop a climate-data strategy to ensure that the private sector and communities have access to data to inform planning and infrastructure investments.”
Establish a Canada Water Agency and implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to protect and restore large lakes and river systems, starting with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, Lake Simcoe, the Lake Winnipeg Basin, the Fraser River Basin and the Mackenzie River Basin. Invest in the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario to support international freshwater science and research.
After establishing a Canada Water Agency, “advance the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality, including climate change and Indigenous rights.”
To achieve Zero Plastic Waste by 2030:
- Require that all plastic packaging in Canada contain at least 50-per-cent recycled content by 2030;
- Accelerate the implementation of the zero-plastic waste action plan, in partnership with provinces and territories;
- Work with provinces and territories to ensure that producers, not taxpayers, are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, and to implement and enforce an ambitious recycling target of 90 per cent — aligned with Quebec and the European Union — for plastic beverage containers;
- Introduce labelling rules that prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol unless 80 per cent of Canada’s recycling facilities accept, and have reliable end markets for, these products; and
- Support provincial and territorial producer responsibility efforts by establishing a federal public registry, and requiring producers to report annually on plastics in the Canadian economy.
Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on the creation of a new infrastructure and innovation fund that will scale up and commercialize made-in-Canada technologies and solutions for the reuse and recycling of plastics.
Build on the Ocean Plastics Charter by working with leading countries developing a new global agreement on plastics.
Enact a strengthened Canadian Environmental Protection Act to protect everyone, including people most vulnerable to harm from toxic substances and those living in communities where exposure is high.
Identify, and prioritize the clean-up of, contaminated sites in areas where Indigenous Peoples, racialized and low- income Canadians live.
Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to implement a “right to repair” to extend the life of home appliances, particularly electronics, and require businesses to inform Canadians of the environmental impacts of consumer products.
Work with the Minister of Health to implement a comprehensive action plan to protect Canadians, including firefighters, from exposure to toxic flame retardants found in household products.
Continue working with the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and partners to ensure Canada meets its goals to conserve 25 per cent of our lands and waters by 2025 and 30 per cent of each by 2030, working to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050 and champion this goal internationally. Ensure that this work remains grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge and local perspectives.
Work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to support new Indigenous Guardians programs and establish new Indigenous Guardians Networks, and support Indigenous communities to build capacity to establish more Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
Establish 10 new national parks and 10 new national marine conservation areas (NMCAs) in the next five years, working with Indigenous communities on co-management agreements for these national parks and NMCAs.
To ensure all Canadians have access to green space, establish at least one new national urban park in every province and territory, with a target of 15 new urban parks by 2030. Also invest in existing national parks, with more Canadians than ever before visiting these sites.
Work with the Minister of Natural Resources to help protect old-growth forests, notably in British Columbia, by reaching a nature agreement with B.C., establishing a $50-million B.C. Old Growth Nature Fund, and ensuring First Nations, local communities and workers are partners in shaping the path forward for nature protection.
Continue to build and connect the Trans Canada Trail and create new opportunities for Canadians to access it, by increasing annual funding and growing the trail network to help create 10,000 jobs over the next five years.
Invest in the Meteorological Service of Canada to upgrade infrastructure, including information technology, to ensure it continues to effectively monitor changes in the weather, climate, water, ice and air quality and predict weather and environmental conditions.
Work with partners to curb illegal wildlife trade and end elephant and rhinoceros tusk trade in Canada.
President of the Treasury Board Mona Fortier
Immediate priority is to implement the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and ensure high vaccination uptake across the federal public service to protect government employees and all Canadians. Advance measures to foster a more diverse and inclusive public service. Further the Greening Government Strategy, and lead efforts to advance digital government, including ensuring “that consideration is given to leveraging digital delivery approaches to improve services to citizens.”
Advance work to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce by ensuring the hiring, retention and promotion of diverse talents throughout the public service, including by supporting departments in implementing the plans outlined in their responses to the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion in the public service and ensuring the use of disaggregated data to track government progress.
Create a Diversity Fellowship to mentor and sponsor diverse groups of public servants and implementing an action plan to increase representation in hiring, appointments and leadership development.
Create a fellowship for 1,000 students and new graduates and offering language training to post-secondary students to reduce barriers to recruitment.
Make progress in fulfilling the government’s commitment to hire 5,000 new public servants with disabilities by 2025.
Offer language programs to racialized employees and expand recruitment programs to international students and permanent residents.
Establish a mental health fund for Black public servants and support career advancement, training, sponsorship and educational opportunities.
Advance the implementation of the Pay Equity Act across the public service; and
Support the Minister of Labour to accelerate the review of the Employment Equity Act and ensure timely implementation of improvements.
Bringing forward “a coherent and co-ordinated plan for the future of work within the public service, including developing flexible and equitable working arrangements.”
Work with ministers responsible for Crown corporations, continue to promote diversity in corporate governance by advancing the government’s commitment to require Crown corporations to implement gender and diversity reporting, starting in 2022.
Take action to improve government whistleblower protections and supports, including “exploring possible amendments to the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.”
Strengthen federal procurement policies to integrate human rights, environment, social and corporate governance principles and supply chain transparency principles, and ensure they apply to federal departments and agencies, while working with ministers responsible for Crown corporations to require adherence to such policies.
Continue leading the government’s “regulatory reform efforts in collaboration with your cabinet colleagues to improve transparency, reduce administrative burden and lead our efforts to harmonize regulations that maintain high safety standards and improve the competitiveness of Canadian businesses.”
Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson
Prioritize moving forward with legislation and comprehensive action to achieve a Just Transition, ensuring support for communities to create more economic opportunities for workers and families into the future and in all regions of the country. Work with partners to develop and implement strategies to decarbonize regional electricity systems, grow the market for clean fuels and transform Canada’s building stock for the climate era. Move early to launch a Critical Minerals Strategy, ensuring that Canada’s natural resources are developed sustainably, competitively and inclusively.
In support of Canada’s efforts to achieve a 100 per cent net-zero electricity system by 2035, advance near-term consultations with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to develop and implement strategies to decarbonize electricity systems.
Establish a Pan-Canadian Grid Council to promote infrastructure investments, smart grids, grid integration and electricity sector innovation.
Work with Indigenous partners and communities to support the transformation from diesel-fuelled power to clean, renewable and reliable energy by 2030.
Work to connect regions with carbon intensive electricity systems to more clean power by supporting transmission lines and the integration of renewables and clean fuels.
Work with the Minister of Labour in moving forward with legislation and comprehensive action to achieve a Just Transition, guided by consultations with workers, unions, Indigenous Peoples, employers, communities and provinces and territories.
Continue to deliver on investments to train workers and create opportunities for green jobs; and increase inclusion in the clean energy workforce by creating more opportunities for women, LGBTQ2 and other under-represented people in the energy sector.
Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to establish a global centre for excellence on methane detection and elimination.
Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to develop and launch a Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to supply the green and digitized economy and improve critical minerals supply chain resiliency in collaboration with key trading partners, “positioning Canada as the leading mining nation.”
Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to develop a sustainable battery innovation and industrial ecosystem in Canada, including to establish Canada as a global leader in battery manufacturing, recycling and reuse. Work with stakeholders to identify new strategic priorities, including future battery types, ways to optimize batteries for cold weather performance and long-duration storage, and applications in heavy-duty transportation, and launch a Canada-U.S. Battery Alliance for stakeholders in both countries to identify shared priorities and create environmental requirements.
Introduce a new Buy Clean Strategy to support and prioritize the use of made-in-Canada low-carbon products in Canadian infrastructure projects.
Reduce pollution from transportation by adding 50,000 new electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen stations to Canada’s network and supporting the installation of charging stations in existing buildings, and by making investments to retrofit large trucks currently on the road, and supporting the production, distribution and use of clean fuels, including low or zero carbon hydrogen.
Work with provinces and territories, communities and Indigenous Peoples to develop and implement a National Net-Zero Emissions Building Strategy to achieve net-zero emissions from buildings by 2050, with interim milestones, that include accelerating net-zero emissions new builds and deep retrofits of existing buildings through codes and incentives, requiring EnerGuide labeling of homes at the time of sale, transitioning away from fossil-fuel home heating systems, and launching a community level net-zero emissions homes initiative.
Work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to develop model building codes, including publishing a net-zero emissions building code and model retrofit code by the end of 2024 that align with national climate objectives and provide a standard for climate-resilient buildings. To ensure effective implementation of these performance standards, work with partners to develop strategies around incentives, training programs and pilot initiatives.
Protect homes and communities from the impacts of climate change by completing work with provinces and territories to develop flood maps for higher-risk areas, advancing work to complete flood mapping nationwide, supporting the development of a portal to provide centralized access to information on flood risks and expanding the eligibility requirements of the Canada Greener Home Grants to include more climate resilience measures.
Continue to develop a new national benefits-sharing framework to ensure that First Nations and Métis Nation communities directly benefit from major resource projects in their territories, and that Inuit communities benefit from major resource projects in Inuit Nunangat.
Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Fully implement reforms set out in the White Paper, English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada, taking into consideration the pressing need to protect and promote French.
Swiftly reintroduce An Act for the Substantive Equality of French and English and the Strengthening of the Official Languages Act by early 2022.
Make new investments to improve access to French immersion and French second-language programs across the country.
Create a strategy to support entrepreneurs in official language minority communities through the Regional Development Agencies, working with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development and the other ministers responsible for Regional Development Agencies.
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