Canada's emissions reductions slowed in 2024, federal data shows

The West Block of Parliament Hill is pictured behind the Centennial Flame as a heavy fog hangs over downtown Ottawa on Thursday, April 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA — The latest annual account of greenhouse gas emissions shows Canada’s emissions reductions slowed in 2024 to almost nothing.

Ottawa quietly published its national inventory report on Wednesday, something it’s required to submit annually to the United Nations.

The report shows emissions dropped by 0.3 per cent compared with 2023, with increases in emissions from the oil and gas and agriculture sectors offsetting decreases in electricity grids, transportation and buildings.

The report comes as Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin is set to travel to Berlin and Paris next week to meet with international counterparts.

Canada has committed to reducing its emissions to 40 and 45 per cent below 2005 levels, and modelling has shown Canada is likely to miss its targets.

The latest figures for 2024 place Canada among the worst performers in the G7, with only a 10.3 per cent reduction from 2005 levels.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2026.

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press