We know that the best way to address this  crisis and the harms caused by fossil fuel pollution – in fact the only way – is by working in community. This year, we focused on strengthening and expanding our relationships. In March, we co-hosted the Dialogues for a Transition to a Just Economy, which brought together labour, environmental organizations, and Indigenous organizations and First Nations. And throughout the year, we re-doubled our efforts to build trusted relationships with communities harmed by the ever-growing tailings “ponds”, which are actually toxic lakes filled with chemicals from tar sands production.

Our work generated significant victories. Most notably, we helped secure a commitment from the federal government to end thermal coal exports and new mines – a giant step towards a fossil-free future. Our federal election campaign helped keep oil and gas subsidies in the spotlight, with a helpful guide for voters and a list of questions to ask candidates. And finally, although the federal government did go ahead with a new, wasteful subsidy for unnecessary carbon capture technology, we did block it from applying to a process that would increase oil and gas production at a time when phase out is necessary.

Big Oil is not the only industry holding Canada back from meeting our climate objectives, transportation accounts for Canada’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Highlighting this pressing issue, the launch of our Car Wars report marked a strong starting point for the future work we will be doing to tackle transportation emissions and an auto industry preference for selling massive, gas guzzling vehicles.

In the year ahead, we will advocate for climate policies and regulation that ensures Canada has a prosperous green future, where all communities can thrive.