Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Carleton.
Today, we are highlighting the concrete progress that greenhouse gas emission limits are making across this country. This policy measure is not just an abstract goal; it transforms the way we build our homes, transport our goods, produce our energy and manufacture essential materials such as concrete. Through these goals, we are seeing tangible results for the environment, public health and the Canadian economy.
Every tonne of GHGs avoided contributes to cleaner air, a more stable climate and more resilient communities. With respect to housing, the residential and commercial sector accounts for a significant share of national emissions. The limits encourage the adoption of stricter energy standards for new and renovated buildings, the optimization of heating and cooling systems and the integration of renewable energy sources. Canadians benefit from efficient homes, with lower energy bills and increased comfort. These improvements not only are good for the environment but also generate jobs in construction, engineering and energy-efficient retrofit services.
Transportation is one of the sectors where limits have a direct impact. Policies that accompany the limits, such as the clean fuel regulations, stimulate the use of low-carbon fuels and support the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. By reducing the carbon intensity of fuels and encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies, we are improving air quality in our cities and helping to prevent respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Canadians benefit from a healthier environment while seeing new economic opportunities emerge in the transportation and sustainable mobility sector.
In the industrial sector, the limits encourage innovation and process modernization. Industries such as cement, steel and chemicals are investing in carbon capture and storage, energy optimization and reducing fugitive emissions. These initiatives not only reduce the carbon footprint but also position Canada as a leader in the production of low-emission industrial goods that can compete in an increasingly sustainable global market.
The concrete and building materials sector is particularly energy-intensive and responsible for a significant share of industrial emissions. Thanks to the limits and complementary policies, we are seeing the increasing adoption of low-carbon formulations, alternative cements and carbon capture technologies. These advances reduce the carbon intensity of construction while maintaining the quality and durability of materials. They are a perfect example of how emission limits encourage innovation and create economic opportunities in traditional sectors.
A central element of this progress is the reduction of methane emissions. Methane is a potent gas, responsible for nearly 30% of global warming to date and hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year due to air pollution.
Canada is a co-lead of the comprehensive methane arrangement, alongside the European Union. This includes measures in the oil and gas sector, as well as in landfills. These actions not only reduce emissions but also improve air quality, public health and the competitiveness of Canadian products in the global marketplace.
Reducing GHG emissions and air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, directly improves the health of Canadians. Volatile organic compound regulations in oil and gas facilities reduce exposure to harmful substances such as benzene. Each reduction in emissions helps prevent respiratory diseases, premature deaths and health costs estimated at more than $146 billion annually. This shows that emissions reductions are not only good for the climate but essential for the well-being of communities.
The success of the boundaries depends on collaboration with provinces, territories and indigenous communities. Each region has its own priorities and solutions to reduce these emissions. The government is working in partnership to align policies, maximize reductions and support communities in their energy transition. Indigenous communities are actively involved in the design of clean energy projects right across the country, contributing to local solutions while benefiting from sustainable economic opportunities.
Emissions reductions drive innovation across all sectors. Companies are investing in clean technology, energy efficiency and carbon capture, creating low-emission products and services that meet the growing demand of international markets. At the same time, programs like the biofuels incentive program support the domestic production of renewable fuels, creating jobs and economic opportunities for regions right across the country.
The goal of reducing emissions has already produced concrete results. Fugitive methane emissions from the oil and gas sector decreased by 33% between 2013 and 2023; the concrete, steel and clean fuel industries are adopting innovative technologies to reduce carbon intensity; and buildings and transportation are experiencing energy efficiency gains and increased adoption of low-emission solutions. This progress illustrates that emission limits are not an abstract idea but an effective tool to achieve tangible results for both the environment and the economy.
Limits on emissions are making a real difference in the lives of all Canadians. In housing, transportation, industry and even the concrete sector, we see measurable improvements in energy efficiency, emissions reduction and air quality. Combined with methane reduction and Canadian leadership on the international stage, these measures position our country as a global leader in climate and clean energy. They show that it is possible to reconcile economic growth, public health and environmental responsibility.
The national emissions cap is not just a policy; it is a road map to a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future for all Canadians today and tomorrow, for my children's generation and my grandchildren's generation.