Timeline of Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Policy

1959

In 1959, Canada established the National Energy Board (NEB) to regulate interprovincial and international pipelines, electricity transmission lines, and energy exports. The agency oversaw federally regulated aspects of the oil, gas, and electricity industries, including pipeline construction and operation, tariffs, and international energy trade.

1962

In 1962, the Province of British Columbia established the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) after the provincial government passed the BC Hydro Act. The legislation expropriated the BC Electric Company and merged it with the British Columbia Power Commission to form a single publicly owned Crown corporation. BC Hydro assumed responsibility for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across much of the province. The creation of the utility enabled the development of major hydroelectric projects that continue to supply most of British Columbia’s electricity today.

1964

In 1964, Canada and the United States ratified the Columbia River Treaty, a landmark international agreement governing flood control and hydroelectric power generation along the Columbia River system. Under the treaty, Canada agreed to build three dams in British Columbia—Duncan, Hugh L. Keenleyside, and Mica—to regulate river flows for flood control and power generation. The United States constructed Libby Dam in Montana, which created a reservoir extending into Canada. The treaty significantly expanded hydroelectric generation in British Columbia while providing downstream flood protection and increased power production in the United States.

1968

In 1968, construction of the W. A. C. Bennett Dam on the Peace River was completed, marking one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Canadian history. The project created Williston Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in North America, and significantly expanded British Columbia’s electricity generation capacity. The dam powers the nearby Gordon M. Shrum Generating Station and remains a cornerstone of the province’s hydroelectric power system.

1971

In 1971, the Government of Canada established the Environment and Climate Change Canada under the Department of the Environment Act. The department formalized federal responsibility for environmental protection, environmental science, and national regulation of pollution and natural resources. The department brought together several existing federal services, including the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Meteorological Service of Canada, creating a central institution for environmental policy and scientific research in Canada.

1973–74

During 1973–1974, the global oil crisis was triggered when Arab members of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an oil embargo during the 1973 Arab–Israeli War. The embargo reduced oil production and restricted exports to several countries, causing global fuel shortages and a dramatic increase in oil prices. The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains and prompted many industrialized countries, including Canada, to place greater emphasis on energy conservation, energy security, and long-term national energy planning.

1974

In 1974, the Government of Canada passed the Energy Supplies Emergency Act to help conserve energy supplies during national emergencies caused by petroleum shortages or market disruptions. The legislation authorized the federal government to implement mandatory allocation or rationing programs for petroleum products and established the Energy Supplies Allocation Board to manage the distribution of fuel across Canada during supply crises.

1980

In 1980, the Government of Canada under Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau introduced the National Energy Program to strengthen national energy security and increase Canadian control of the petroleum industry. The program sought to promote energy self-sufficiency, regulate oil and gas prices, increase federal revenues from energy resources, and encourage Canadian ownership of the energy sector.

1988

In 1988, Canada hosted the World Conference on the Changing Atmosphere in Toronto from June 27–30, bringing together about 300 scientists, policymakers, and international organizations to address emerging concerns about climate change and atmospheric pollution. The conference introduced the “Toronto Target,” recommending that industrialized countries reduce carbon dioxide emissions 20% below 1988 levels by 2005, helping to shape early international discussions on climate policy and greenhouse gas reduction.

In 1988, Canada enacted the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), establishing a national framework for preventing pollution and regulating toxic substances that may harm human health or the environment. The legislation consolidated federal authority over environmental protection and later became an important legal foundation for regulating air pollutants, toxic chemicals, and greenhouse gas emissions. CEPA was significantly updated in 1999 to strengthen pollution prevention and risk assessment, and amendments in 2023 formally recognized the right to a healthy environment in Canada.

1989

In 1989, BC Hydro launched the Power Smart program, formally recognizing energy efficiency and electricity conservation as alternatives to building new power generation facilities.

The program promotes electricity conservation through incentives, education, and efficiency upgrades in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Power Smart became one of Canada’s earliest large-scale utility demand-side management programs.

1990

In 1990, British Columbia enacted the Energy Efficiency Act, becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish legislation enabling mandatory minimum energy performance standards for appliances and equipment.

The Act removed the least efficient products from the market and helped drive improvements in the energy performance of common household and commercial equipment.

1992

In 1992, Canada enacted the Energy Efficiency Act, authorizing the federal government to establish minimum energy performance standards and energy labelling requirements for appliances, equipment, and certain industrial products. The legislation introduced the EnerGuide label and helped improve the efficiency of products sold in Canada by removing the least efficient models from the market.

In 1992, Canada signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The agreement established a global framework for international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation, committing countries to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and develop national climate policies.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

1997

In 1997, Canada released the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB), the country’s first performance-based national energy code for buildings. The code shifted regulatory focus toward whole-building energy performance, influencing future building codes and energy efficiency standards across provinces and territories.

In 1997, Canada signed the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement requiring industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Canada committed to lowering emissions to 6% below 1990 levels during the 2008–2012 commitment period, marking the country’s first binding international emissions reduction target.

2002

In 2002, Canada formally ratified the Kyoto Protocol, committing the country to its international emissions reduction targets. Implementation proved challenging due to policy differences between federal and provincial governments, highlighting the complexity of coordinating climate policy within Canada’s federal system.

In 2002, the Province of British Columbia released the BC Energy Plan, outlining a strategy focused on electricity self-sufficiency, conservation, and clean energy development.

The plan also cancelled proposed fossil-fuel electricity generation projects, signaling a shift toward lower-carbon electricity sources and expanded use of renewable energy.

2007

In 2007, the federal government released the Turning the Corner Climate Plan, proposing regulatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from major industrial sectors. The plan focused on emissions intensity targets, aiming to reduce emissions per unit of production rather than establishing absolute national emissions reduction limits.

In 2007, the Government of British Columbia released the BC Climate Action Plan, outlining strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors, including transportation, buildings, and industry.

The plan marked a shift from largely voluntary measures toward more comprehensive climate governance and laid the groundwork for future policies such as carbon pricing and building energy performance initiatives.

2008

In 2008, British Columbia enacted the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, establishing legally binding provincial greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The legislation set a goal of reducing emissions 33% below 2007 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050, making British Columbia one of the first jurisdictions in North America to adopt long-term, legislated climate targets.

In 2008, British Columbia introduced North America’s first broad-based, revenue-neutral carbon tax on fossil fuels.

The tax initially applied at $10 per tonne of CO₂e, increasing annually to $30 per tonne by 2012. Revenues were returned to residents and businesses through reductions in personal and corporate income taxes.

In 2008, the Green Communities Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 27) required local governments in British Columbia to incorporate greenhouse gas reduction targets, policies, and actions into their Official Community Plans (OCPs).

The legislation formally linked climate objectives with land-use planning, transportation, and community development decisions at the municipal level.

2010

In 2010, British Columbia passed the Clean Energy Act, establishing long-term policy direction for the province’s electricity system.

The Act requires that at least 93% of electricity generation come from clean or renewable sources and formally recognizes energy efficiency and conservation as system resources in electricity planning.

2011

In 2011, Canada formally withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, becoming the first country to exit the international climate agreement after ratifying it.

The federal government cited economic concerns and the challenges of meeting its emissions reduction commitments. The decision marked a significant shift in Canada’s climate policy and highlighted ongoing tensions between federal climate objectives and domestic implementation.

2015

In 2015, Canada joined other countries in adopting the Paris Agreement, a global treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise and strengthening climate action. Canada committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 under a transparency-based international framework.

In 2015, British Columbia’s Climate Leadership Team, an independent advisory panel, released recommendations for strengthening the province’s climate policy framework.

The report proposed stronger emissions reduction targets and called for a transition toward net-zero energy-ready buildings, helping to build momentum for future performance-based building regulations such as the BC Energy Step Code.

2016

In 2016, federal, provincial, and territorial governments adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, Canada’s first coordinated national climate strategy.

The framework committed the country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and established economy-wide carbon pricing as a central policy tool.

2017

In 2017, federal, provincial, and territorial governments released Build Smart: Canada’s Buildings Strategy under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

The strategy committed governments to developing tiered model energy codes and achieving net-zero energy-ready new buildings by 2030.

In 2017, British Columbia introduced the BC Energy Step Code, a performance-based framework within the BC Building Code that establishes progressively higher levels of energy efficiency for new construction.

2018

In 2018, Canada enacted the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, establishing minimum national standards for carbon pricing across the country. The legislation introduced a carbon price starting at $20 per tonne of CO₂e in 2019, with annual increases, and created a federal backstop system applied in provinces and territories without compliant carbon pricing policies.

In 2018, the Government of British Columbia launched the CleanBC climate framework, a comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors.

The plan integrated policies related to buildings, electrification, transportation, and industry, and established a provincial emissions reduction target of 40% below 2007 levels by 2030.

2019

In 2019, Canada implemented its federal carbon pricing system, including a fuel charge on fossil fuels and the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) for large industrial emitters. Approximately 90% of fuel-charge revenues are returned to households, with the remainder supporting climate and energy programs.

2021

In 2021, Canada passed the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, establishing a legally binding commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Act requires the federal government to set interim emissions targets, develop climate plans, and provide regular progress reports and independent oversight.

In 2021, British Columbia released the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, outlining updated strategies and sector-specific actions to accelerate emissions reductions.

The roadmap strengthened climate policy across sectors including buildings, transportation, and industry, identifying interim targets and policy measures to help achieve provincial emissions reduction goals by 2030.

2022

In 2022, the federal government released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, outlining sector-specific measures to accelerate emissions reductions across the Canadian economy. The plan identifies actions in sectors such as buildings, transportation, electricity, and industry to achieve a 40–45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.

In 2022, British Columbia implemented the Zero Carbon Step Code, introducing performance requirements based on operational greenhouse gas emissions for new construction.

The framework complements the BC Energy Step Code by addressing building emissions from energy use, supporting the transition toward low-carbon and zero-emission buildings.

2023

In 2023, updates to Canada’s national model energy codes further advanced tiered performance pathways for buildings. The updated codes support a gradual transition toward net-zero energy-ready buildings, allowing provinces and territories to adopt progressively higher performance levels over time.

In 2023, the federal carbon price increased to $65 per tonne of CO₂e, continuing the scheduled annual escalation under Canada’s carbon pricing framework. The policy is designed to gradually strengthen price signals for emissions reductions, with the carbon price planned to reach $170 per tonne by 2030.

2024

In 2024, the federal government released the Canada Green Buildings Strategy, outlining a long-term plan to decarbonize the building sector. The strategy focuses on building retrofits, electrification, workforce development, and alignment of building codes, supporting the transition toward low-carbon and net-zero buildings across Canada.

In 2024, British Columbia adopted the BC Building Code 2024, aligning provincial building regulations with higher Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code performance requirements.

The update advances the transition toward low-emissions buildings across the province, further integrating energy efficiency and carbon performance into building regulation.

2025

In 2025, the federal government removed the consumer fuel charge portion of Canada’s carbon pricing system. The change ended direct carbon taxes on fuels for households while maintaining carbon pricing mechanisms for large industrial emitters.