Audit Finds Problems With Canada Green Programs

February 9, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Two green programs that were supposed to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions lack ways to track their environmental benefit and emissions reduction, according to an audit conducted by Canada’s federal environment commissioner, Scott Vaughan, Toronto Star reports.

A public transit tax credit announced in 2006 was seen as a way to reduce 220,000 tones of emissions per year from 2008 to 2012. But the audit found that Environment Canada still needs to come up with a way to measure the emissions reductions that resulted from the tax credit. What’s more, the finance department won’t be able to evaluate the tax credit’s impact until 2011, when income tax data become available.

The audit also found that the federal government lacks any way to ensure that the $1.5 billion it hands out for various green programs in provinces is actually spent on those programs. In addition, the audit said there is no scientific basis to claim that a climate-change fund for the provinces will result in an 80-megaton cut in emissions.

Jim Prentice, Canada’s environment minister, said estimates of GHG reductions from the two programs were based on the best available information provided by department officials at the time.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Make sustainability part of your strategy.

Get equipped at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Survey Results: Product Environmental Compliance Best Practices

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Reader Comments

Jim Prentice, our environment minister, announces pipeline projects, supports accelerated development of the Alberta Tar Sands, stifles Environment Canada Scientists, and does his best to slow progress at international climate summits.

I’m not sure who speaks for the environment in Canada, but it it certainly isn’t Jim Prentice.

Richard | February 10th, 2009

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader