A lot of funding is earmarked for cleaning up government sites and toxic chemicals – but nothing referring to climate change initiatives. Even a modest $300 million promised last November for the Green Climate Fund, designed to help developing countries tackle climate change, was nowhere to be found. As the world mobilizes to build a cleaner future, Canada is at risk of being left behind in the new green economy while alienating partners around the world.

Given there is new clear evidence oil producers had a direct line to the Prime Minister’s Office through now disgraced Senator Mike Duffy, the lack of climate change initiatives in the 2015 Federal Canadian budget does not surprise.

Some relevant highlights of the Canadian budget include;

• Continuing to support, with $75 million over five years, starting in 2015–16, the implementation of the Species at Risk Act to protect Canada’s diverse species and secure the necessary actions for their recovery.
• Providing $2.0 million in 2015–16 to the Pacific Salmon Foundation to support the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project.
• Extending the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Program by providing $10 million per year for three years, starting in 2016–17, to support the conservation of recreational fisheries across the country.
• Dedicating $34 million over five years, starting in 2015–16, to continue to support meteorological and navigational warning services in the Arctic.

View Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives 2015 Federal Budget Analysis
View April 22, 2015 David Suzuki Foundation article
View April 22, 2015 National Observer article
View April 21, 2015 Global News article
View April 21, 2015 Huffington Post article
View April 21, 2015 National Post article
View April 20, 2015 Global News article