Government Policy

Government policy consists of political decisions for programs and plans of action to achieve certain goals. Policy differs from regulations, legislation and laws. Legislation can compel certain behaviours while policy guides actions toward desired outcomes or goals.

The federal government has taken a policy position that the Kyoto Protocol signed by the previous government is too stringent and unachievable. Accordingly, the regulatory framework laid out for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, which will be written into legislation will be different from the Kyoto Protocol targets.

Each of the provincial and territorial governments has their own strategies and policies regarding greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As governments change and political pressures vary, so too may the policies and strategies.

Provinces such as Quebec and British Columbia have set their policies and targets to meet Kyoto Protocol targets. Alberta has set greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets and desires to maintain their energy developments. Ontario is taking the Kyoto Protocol target of a 6% reduction from 1990 levels and targeting the reduction by 2014 to minimize the impact on manufacturing and the economy. The policies adopted by governments affect the legislation developed by each jurisdiction. As a result the territories and provinces all have differing legislation on reducing emissions.