Investor Coalition Presses Canada to Strengthen Climate Rules and Carbon Pricing

In a letter addressed to newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, global sustainability nonprofit Ceres has called on the federal government to champion bold, forward-looking climate policies that support a cleaner, more resilient, and investable economy.

Ceres, which works with major North American investors on climate-related financial risks and opportunities, emphasized that consistent and credible climate policy is essential for long-term economic stability. The organization’s Canadian Investor Working Group, representing $1.7 trillion in assets under management, is part of the Ceres Investor Network—a coalition of nearly 200 leading institutional investors across North America.

Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Economic Growth

The letter outlines 10 key policy recommendations for the Carney administration, including:

• Strengthening the federal carbon pricing system, particularly for industrial emitters, ensuring a consistent, credible, and economy-wide approach;
• Promoting integration across provincial carbon markets to build a unified national framework;
• Developing a national clean electricity strategy, with investments in transmission planning and enabling infrastructure;
• Ensuring clean energy projects receive equitable regulatory and financial treatment compared to fossil fuel projects;
• Finalizing robust methane reduction regulations to cut oil and gas emissions by 75% by 2030, in line with investor demands representing $1.5 trillion in assets;
• Prioritizing Indigenous economic participation, through equity ownership and consent-based development models;
• Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or a just transition, and redirecting funds to low-carbon initiatives;
• Advancing corporate sustainability disclosure, particularly through enhanced regulatory frameworks such as NI 58-107;
• Revisiting Bill C-59 and Competition Act changes to avoid inadvertently discouraging climate-related corporate transparency.

Ceres’ call comes as investors increasingly demand clear climate policy signals and a level playing field for clean energy development. The group argues that aligning policy frameworks with global climate goals is critical for Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness.