Disappointment, Frustration as Climate Champions See ‘Missed Opportunity’ 2025 Canada Budget

The Energy Mix hosted a live blog with nearly two dozen climate and sustainability champions after Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne delivered the Liberal government’s first budget November 4.

Disappointment and frustration were common themes among climate champions and experts who joined The Energy Mix for an online chat this afternoon and evening about the new federal budget or shared their comments from elsewhere with us.

“My first take is that neither the tone nor the measures reflect a sense of urgency with regard to climate change, except to the extent there are business opportunities that might be missed,” said Ralph Torrie, research director of Corporate Knights.

Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub and member of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, referred to “the dumpster fire that is Carney dismantling Canada’s climate architecture while talking about ‘bargains.’ It’s not a bargain when one side—in this case, the climate—loses everything it has, and the other side—fossil fuel shareholders—gets everything it wants.” Abreu was unable to join the group today, but replied to The Mix’s invitation earlier this week from Rio, where she is already onsite for pre-COP30 meetings.

“We were looking for much-needed clarity on how Ottawa would diversify the economy away from volatile fossil fuels, meet our international climate obligations, and steer Canada towards a safer and more affordable clean energy future. We’re still waiting,” Caroline Brouillette, executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, said in a statement shared with the chat.

“This budget shows that ‘austerity’ applies to efforts to protect people and the planet—but that more money can always be found for military spending and polluting industries,” Brouillette continued. “It fails to make any reference to emissions reductions commitments or Canada’s next international climate finance contribution, announces plans to water down anti-greenwashing legislation, takes another step away from the cap on oil and gas emissions, and cuts international assistance.”

“Today’s budget exposes a missed opportunity for Canada to invest in local economies and urban climate action,” added Bryan Purcell, vice-president of policy and programs for  The Atmospheric Fund. “While the federal government reaffirms support for clean electricity and other broad climate measures, the budget offers limited funding or tools to help cities reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts, or build local resilience. A lack of funding or policy signals to support electric vehicles or energy efficiency leaves struggling domestic industries even more uncertain, and climate targets further out of reach.

“Budget 2025’s Climate Competitiveness Strategy recognizes the economic growth potential of clean energy and the investments needed to bolster Canada’s clean energy sector. While it reaffirms the importance of the Investment Tax Credits, the strategy lacks the ambition needed to keep Canada competitive with leading clean economies. It does little to advance key technologies that could reduce costs for Canadians, such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and rooftop solar.”

Cover photo:  (Mike Hager/The Energy Mix)