In a dramatic shift, climate change has fallen sharply as a priority for Canadians, aligning with a broader global trend. The departure of Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault from the House of Commons marks the end of an era, as many of his signature policies have been dismantled.
Carbon Tax and Clean Electricity Regulations Scrapped
The consumer carbon tax, which Guilbeault staunchly defended, was eliminated on Prime Minister Mark Carney's first day in office. The Clean Electricity Regulations, designed to eliminate fossil fuels from Canada's grid by 2035, were replaced by a National Electricity Strategy more accommodating to natural gas.
Emissions Cap and Plastic Ban Remain
An emissions cap on the fossil fuel sector, introduced in 2024, was scrapped within a year as part of a pipeline agreement with Alberta. The single-use plastic ban, enacted in 2022, remains in force, making it illegal for Canadians to use plastic straws.
Guilbeault expressed bewilderment at the shift, telling La Presse in French: "It’s clear there’s been a shift in our approach to climate change. I don’t understand why we decided to take this turn. I can’t explain it."
Public Opinion Has Shifted Dramatically
When the Liberals took power in 2015, climate change often topped polls of important issues. In 2016, 69% of Canadians found the federal carbon tax "good" or "acceptable." However, by July 2025, only 4% of respondents ranked climate change as the top challenge, placing it behind tariffs, immigration, and affordability.
This decline mirrors global trends. Five years ago, Bill Gates titled his book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, warning of the need to "transition the world's entire energy system at an unprecedented speed." Today, such urgency has faded from public discourse.
The rapid deprioritization of climate change raises questions about the durability of environmental policies in the face of economic and geopolitical pressures. As Guilbeault prepares to exit public life, the legacy of his climate agenda appears increasingly fragile.
