Canada presenting itself as climate leader at COP31, despite policy rollbacks

Posted November 2, 2026 1:41 pm.

Last Updated November 2, 2026 2:41 pm.

OTTAWA — Despite its rollbacks of climate policy, the Carney government will lead a delegation to the COP31 conference in Turkey next week presenting itself as an international climate leader.

Government officials held a technical briefing for journalists today ahead of the annual two-week United Nations climate conference.

Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin will attend the first week of COP31 and officials say she will co-chair a ministerial meeting on methane solutions.

Over the past year, the Carney government has delayed more stringent tailpipe emissions for passenger vehicles, has been accused of weakening industrial carbon pricing in a deal with Alberta, and has conceded the country’s emissions will rise over the coming years.

The government’s own numbers show Canada is nowhere close to meeting its international commitment to reduce emissions by 40 per cent of 2005 levels, while other reports suggest net-zero by 2050 is also off the table.

Government officials told the briefing today that Canada remains a “credible international actor on climate change” that other countries are keen to engage with.

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