After nearly two weeks of intensive negotiations, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May won a major concession from the federal government today: a clear, public confirmation from Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada will meet its legally binding Paris Agreement targets — a commitment that was nowhere to be found in the 2025 federal budget.
During Question Period, in response to May’s direct question, the Prime Minister stated: “I can confirm to this House that we will respect our Paris commitments for climate change, and we’re determined to achieve them.” It is the first time Prime Minister Carney has made this commitment publicly, and the first time he has answered a Green Party question in the House.
May said this commitment was the missing piece that Canadians deserved to hear.
“I could not support a budget that ignored Canada’s Paris commitments, climate adaptation, or the Kunming–Montreal nature agreement,” said May. “What I heard today, on the record, is a firm commitment to meet those targets. That matters. And it is the result of many conversations with the Prime Minister, his ministers, and his senior team over the last 13 days.”
Since the budget was tabled on November 4, May has been engaged in sustained negotiations to secure progress on climate, nature, reconciliation, and adaptation — all areas where the budget fell short.
Today’s exchange in the House, combined with ongoing discussions, represents the clearest signal yet that the government will have to strengthen its climate and nature agenda in order to maintain confidence.
“This is not a blank cheque,” May added. “Greens will hold the government to every word of that statement. Meeting our Paris targets requires real action, immediately, and we will insist on it.”
May also highlighted the broader context: a minority Parliament, a volatile global environment, and strong public pressure to avoid an unnecessary election while ensuring serious climate action.
“Canadians want stability and responsibility, not political games. They also want the truth: we cannot afford to abandon our climate obligations. Today’s commitment is a start, and Greens will be watching closely to ensure it becomes real action.”
Greens will press the government to translate this commitment into concrete measures in the months ahead, on climate action, nature protection, and climate readiness, and will hold the Prime Minister accountable for delivering what he pledged on the floor of the House.
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