Proposals for the Canadian Just Transition Act
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Canadian federal just transition legislation should be rooted in principles from the International Labour Organization, guided by an independent advisory body, grounded in social dialogue with workers and employers, and designed to advance nation-to-nation relationships.
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Jurisdictions leading on the just transition, such as New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, and the European Union, all have legislation grounding their efforts, and Canada can learn from their examples.
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To ensure the just transition reflects the diversity of Canada's regions and sectors, the legislation should establish just transition agencies in each province and territory that can work together alongside a dedicated federal just transition minister and institution.
A legal framework is central to planning and implementing an orderly, just, and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy in Canada. Jurisdictions around the world that are leading the just transition—including New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, and the European Union—all have legislation grounding their just transition efforts. This brief canvases best practices from these jurisdictions and builds off the IISD report Making Good Green Jobs the Law: How Canada Can Build on International Best Practice to Advance Just Transition for All to make recommendations for federal just transition legislation here in Canada.
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