Steve Guilbeault

TORONTO — Canada is aiming to cut its emissions in half by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, the federal government announced Thursday, a target more modest than what a federal advisory body had previously recommended. The target of reducing emissions by 45% to 50% balances both ambition and what is achievable, Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault said. …He added that the target’s lower end accounts for potential headwinds, including how United States president-elect Donald Trump approaches key climate policies. …”As a responsible government, we have to account for the possibilities that it may be more difficult in the coming years to continue moving forward because our major trading partner may decide to take a different course when it comes to tackling climate change,” Guilbeault said. Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body recommended an emissions reduction target of 50% to 55%. …Catherine Abreu, a climate policy analyst, called the target “pathetic”.