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Two Founders Quit Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body Over Ignored Advice, Policy Shift

The departures put fresh scrutiny on Ottawa's year-end emissions plan, with warnings Canada is off track for 2030.

Overview

  • University of British Columbia climatologist Simon Donner and climate advocate Catherine Abreu resigned this week, leaving the panel with four members.
  • Donner said the advisory body's structure was "never ideal" and that the process had become "neglected or performative" as government priorities changed.
  • Abreu pointed to the Alberta energy deal and Bill C-5 enabling exemptions for some projects as evidence expert input was not sought on major decisions.
  • She warned the government's Climate Competitiveness Strategy suspends or dismantles climate policies, while acknowledging the government remains within the act's legal wording.
  • Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin's office said she will meet the advisory body before year-end as Ottawa readies an updated emissions plan that experts say will not meet the 2030 target.