Today, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development tabled his three fall reports on implementation of the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, progress on clean energy, and protecting species at risk.
In response, Environment and Climate Change Canada thanks the Commissioner for his work-an important process that helps ensure accountability and transparency as Canada builds a low-carbon economy and protects the environment-and will consider the Commissioner's recommendations in our ongoing efforts to improve our work.
The Government of Canada is supporting Canadian households with a range of measures that cut emissions and support the adoption of clean energy while making life more affordable and creating economic opportunities for Canadian business. Various programs are making it easier for Canadians to purchase zero-emission vehicles and undertake green home renovations, including through the installation of heat pumps. The Canada Carbon Rebate is also making a difference, helping us lower our greenhouse gas emissions while leaving the vast majority of Canadians better off as a result of the rebate.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is also committed to ensuring the efficient implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), including the timely assessment and review of classification for species at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The Government will continue to support COSEWIC in the delivery of obligations under SARA by working with the Committee to improve the prioritization of assessments and clearing the backlog of species requiring a review of classification. The federal government's investments in the Nature Legacy Programs since 2015 are the largest federal investments for nature in Canada's history, setting the stage for the biggest conservation effort Canadians have ever seen. In 2015, less than one percent of Canada's marine and coastal areas and less than 11 percent of our land were protected. Now, Canada has protected 14.6 percent of our marine and coastal areas and almost 14 percent of our land.
