Overview

• The Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear Ontario's appeal, upholding a ruling that climate policies must comply with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• The case, brought by seven young plaintiffs, challenges Ontario's 2018 decision to weaken its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target.
• Ontario replaced a 37% reduction below 1990 levels with a less ambitious 30% reduction below 2005 levels, potentially allowing 200 million tonnes of extra emissions by 2030.
• This marks the first Canadian case to fully examine whether a government’s climate plan can violate constitutional rights to life, security, and equality.
• The outcome could set a precedent for holding governments accountable for climate policies and influence future litigation across Canada.