OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is entering the upcoming parliamentary session with a strong, focused agenda to address key national issues, from environmental justice to housing affordability. The Green Party’s legislative priorities reflect its unwavering commitment to fighting for social equity, climate action, and public safety, pushing the Liberal government to do better on critical issues that affect Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
“We are determined to hold this government accountable and push for meaningful action on the issues that matter most to Canadians,” said Leader Elizabeth May. “This is a time for bold ideas, not half-measures. From implementing Bill C-226 to taking urgent steps on affordable housing, we are prepared to advocate for Canadians who have been overlooked.”
Environmental Racism: Implementing Bill C-226
In June, Parliament passed Elizabeth May’s landmark private member’s bill, Bill C-226, which mandates the government to create a national strategy to address environmental racism. For the Greens, ensuring the rapid implementation of this new law is a top priority.
“This bill was a hard-won victory for environmental justice, but now the real work begins,” said May. “Communities affected by environmental racism—particularly Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities—cannot wait any longer for solutions. We will keep the pressure on to ensure the government acts swiftly and decisively to right these wrongs.”
Climate and Affordability: A Windfall Tax on record profits of Oil and Gas
With oil and gas companies raking in record profits by gouging Canadians at the pumps, the Green Party continues to call for a 15% windfall tax on profits over a billion, similar to the tax imposed on banks and life insurance companies during the pandemic. With $4.2 billion generated from 2022 profits alone, revenues could be invested in affordability measures to help Canadians who are struggling with the rising cost of living, including public transit, heat pumps, and other home energy retrofits.
“It’s outrageous that in the midst of a climate crisis, the fossil fuel industry continues to post record profits while a large portion of Canadians are barely getting by,” said MP Mike Morrice, who presented Motion 92, Climate Crisis and Affordability. “We need a windfall tax to rebalance the scales and better fund proven climate solutions to the benefit of all Canadians, not just Big Oil CEOs.”
Affordable Housing: A Fundamental Right
As housing costs soar, the Green Party is renewing its commitment to making affordable housing a fundamental right for all Canadians. The Greens will be advocating fix the affordability criteria of federal housing dollars to ensure more federal dollars go towards truly affordable units, and for long-term, predictable investments in social housing.
“After three decades of underinvestment by both major parties, social housing makes up only 3% of our housing stock—an appalling figure that has devastating impacts in communities like mine. We need to double down on affordable housing now,” said Morrice.
Fixing the Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), as proposed in Budget 2024 and draft regulations, is woefully inadequate, lifting only a fraction of Canadians with disabilities out of poverty. The Greens will continue to pressure the Liberal government to fulfill its promise to Canadians with disabilities.
“We cannot settle for token measures when it comes to supporting people with disabilities,” said Morrice. “People with disabilities living in legislated poverty have been waiting for far too long. The governing party must keep its promises to lift them out of poverty with an increased benefit amount and accessible application process.”
Rail Safety and Thermal Coal: Amendments to Bill C-33
The Green Party is also pushing for amendments to Bill C-33 to address rail safety and phase out thermal coal exports, which continue to pollute Canadian communities. Action on C-33 is also necessary to protect marine ecosystems from freighter anchorages. While the government has made minimal progress, the Green Party is calling for concrete action to ban thermal coal exports, which are harmful to the environment and public health, and to strengthen rail safety measures.
“Rail safety and the environment go hand in hand,” said May. “Communities near railways deserve protection from the dangers of inadequate safety regulations, and thermal coal—already being phased out in power production—must be banned for export. This is non-negotiable for the health and safety of Canadians.”
Equitable Arts Funding: Addressing Regional Disparities
Federal arts funding continues to be distributed inequitably across different regions of Canada, with some areas receiving around $20 per capita while others receive nothing at all. MP Morrice has tabled a private member’s motion and sponsored a petition calling for a fairer distribution of funding through the Regional Development Model already used to ensure equity for economic development dollars.
“The arts are essential to our cultural and social wellbeing,” said Morrice. “Federal arts funding needs to be reinstated to previous levels, with a shift in distribution to ensure artists in every community have the opportunity to thrive.”
As the session begins, the Green Party is poised to challenge the status quo and push for policies that prioritize people, planet, and prosperity for all. From environmental justice to public safety, the Greens are ready to fight for a future where no one is left behind.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
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