A year ago, we celebrated a milestone victory: the Government of Canada finally released new rules ending fossil fuel subsidies.
This victory was a long time in the making. The federal government first promised to end these subsidies back in 2009. And over the last decade, we’ve been pushing them – with the help of allies and our supporters – to make good on that commitment.
Though the rules aren’t perfect, they do make it hard for the government to justify new taxpayer handouts to oil and gas companies.
But the job isn’t done
The rules released last year only apply to tax measures or spending that comes directly from government departments, like Natural Resources Canada or Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The rules don’t apply to public financing provided by crown corporations like Export Development Canada.
That’s a problem: most of the support to the oil and gas industry is being provided through Export Development Canada. Take last year. In 2023, the Government of Canada provided at least $18.6 billion in financial support to fossil fuel and petrochemical companies. Over $15 billion of that came from Export Development Canada.
Ending all Financing to the Fossil Fuel Sector
The Prime Minister has promised to eliminate all public financing from crown corporations for fossil fuels this year.
While new rules are being developed, it’s still far from certain whether they’re strong enough to do the job.
That’s why Prime Minister Trudeau needs to hear from as many people as possible. Last year, we delivered over 138,000 letters from people across Canada demanding that no more taxpayer money be used to prop up the oil and gas industry. This year, we want people to contact the Prime Minister directly.
So please help us celebrate this anniversary with Prime Minister Trudeau by sending him a postcard and reminding her that the job isn’t done yet.
Fossil Fuel Subsidies are Hurting Us
There is no justification for ongoing support to the oil and gas industry.
People across Canada continue to face both climate disasters and an affordability crisis: both are the result of our dependence on fossil fuels.
Taxpayer dollars should not be fueling climate pollution.
Send a postcard to Prime Minister Trudeau now!
