By: Kassie Burns

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the use of fossil fuels are the primary contributors to climate change and one of the largest global hurdles we are facing in our attempt to meet Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Achieving Net Zero would mean Canada does not emit GHG emissions and/or offsets its emissions to ensure there is no overall increase (Government of Canada, 2023). The transportation industry accounts for 25% of Canada’s total domestic GHGs, where passenger cars and light trucks account for half of these emissions (Government of Canada, 2022). To address this issue, the Government of Canada has proposed Regulations Amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations to introduce new requirements for manufacturers of vehicles for sale in Canada.  

The requirements will work towards decarbonizing the transport industry by requesting that vehicles produce zero emissions. These zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) can be battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell operated, ensuring they do not produce tailpipe emissions (Transport Canada, 2021). The new regulations are being phased out so that 20% of passenger car and light truck sales will be ZEV by 2026, at least 60% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. This plan hopes to have all GHG emitting vehicles phased out by 2050, given a car life expectancy of 15 years.  

To help encourage the transition to this new set of vehicles, the government has developed the Incentive for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program. This program will allow people to receive up to $5,000 when purchasing or leasing eligible zero-emission vehicles, and it is continuing until March 31, 2025.  

Brock is happy to help offer accessible charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), with 22 ports across 13 charging stations on campus!  

The news shared here helps contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 11 and SDG 13. 

References 

Government of Canada. (2022). Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 156, Number 53: Regulations Amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations. Retrieved from, https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2022/2022-12-31/html/reg1-eng.html  

Government of Canada. (2023). Net-Zero Emissions by 2050. Retrieved from, https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050.html 

Transport Canada. (2021). Zero Emission Vehicles. Retrieved from, https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/transparency/briefing-documents-transport-canada/20191120/20191120/zero-emission-vehicles