FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2026 Sudbury, ON (Robinson-Huron Treaty Territory) – On April 28, 2026, Canada released its Spring Economic Statement, delivering a mixed verdict for climate action amid a volatile global energy landscape. With fossil fuel prices surging, described by analysts as the worst oil shock since the 1970s, the Statement offers both hope and concern. The Good The Backdrop “The world is transitioning away from fossil fuels,” says Cathy Orlando, the National Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada. “This week, nearly 60 countries, including Canada, representing 20% of global fossil fuel production, met in Santa Marta to develop a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. While Canada’s climate finance for the Global South is commendable, we must be extremely cautious with fossil fuel production at home.” The Concerning “Amid increasing rumors of federal funding for a pipeline, we’re highly concerned that the new sovereign wealth fund will be yet another thinly veiled handout to the oil and gas industry.” The Canadian Climate Institute (an independent climate policy research organization) acknowledges the Statement’s confirmation of Canada’s commitment to climate competitiveness but stresses that critical improvements to industrial carbon pricing and electricity infrastructure are needed to drive economic competitiveness, trade diversification, and emissions reductions. The Reality Check Most concerning of all, our oilsands are largely foreign-owned, with the majority controlled by U.S. interests. If Canada keeps subsidizing fossil fuels while foreign owners reap the profits and taxpayers bear the risks, one has to ask: Are we being taken for fools? Our Call to Action From June 1 to June 3, we’ll be in Ottawa lobbying our MPs for: For more information go here: https://canada.citizensclimatelobby.org/follow-the-money/ About Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada Media Contacts: ####### Canada’s Spring Economic Statement:
Progress and Pitfalls for Climate Action
Canada’s renewed and increased climate finance commitment of over $3 billion stands as a beacon of leadership, especially as other nations cut or delay their pledges. Tracked in the Climate Finance Tracker, this move could inspire others to raise their ambitions ahead of COP31.
The Statement coincides with the first International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia. In March, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada and Climate Reality Canada secured support from over 120 organizations nationwide, urging Canada to demonstrate credible leadership at this critical moment.
The Statement includes tax incentives for enhanced oil recovery and LNG, despite emphasizing “clean, affordable, dependable electricity” as key to long-term economic strength. Climate Action Network Canada (a coalition of nearly 200 organizations focused on climate justice and solutions) warns:
Tax incentives for oil and gas are a drop in the bucket compared to pipeline costs, most of which are financed by banks, not Canadian taxpayers. Yet if these pipelines become stranded assets, or if pollution continues unchecked, Canadians will foot the bill whether through bailouts for the banks, higher insurance rates, or climate damages.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada is a non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization founded in 2010. We empower volunteers nationwide to build political will for fair, effective, and sustainable climate solutions. Through respectful dialogue, evidence-based advocacy, and collaborative action, we work to ensure Canada leads with ambition and equity in the global transition to a clean energy future. Find more about us here: https://canada.citizensclimatelobby.org/
Cathy Orlando, National DirectorCitizens’ Climate Lobby Canada
cathy@citizensclimate.org | 705-929-4043
MEDIA RELEASE: Canada’s Spring Economic Statement: Progress and Pitfalls for Climate Action
Posted on April 30, 2026 in Media Release
