Canada’s 2035 Emissions Targets: What Sustainability Professionals Need to Know

Canada’s 2035 Emissions Targets: A 2035 Milestone with Global Implications

In December 2024, the Canadian government announced a new national commitment: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45%–50% below 2005 levels by 2035. This move aligns Canada with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report. It builds on the 2030 target and will drive substantial updates in regulatory and sectoral strategy.

The enhanced 2035 goal is now part of Canada’s legal obligations under the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. More detail can be found in the official announcement from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

According to the 2023 National Inventory Report, Canada’s oil and gas sector is responsible for 26% of national GHG emissions, followed by transportation at 22%, and buildings at 13%.

How ESG Professionals Can Prepare for Canada’s 2035 Emissions Target

The updated targets will influence not only public policy but also private sector decision-making, investment strategies, and ESG reporting frameworks. Key areas of focus for ESG professionals include:

• Integrating emissions targets into corporate climate strategies

• Aligning disclosures with CSSB, ISSB, TCFD, and SASB standards

• Tracking and reporting Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions

• Managing climate risks and ESG-related financial disclosures

Professionals will also need to understand the tools and data required to support decarbonization pathways in sectors under the most pressure: oil and gas, transportation, buildings, and electricity generation.

What Canadian Companies Are Doing Right Now

Several organizations are actively responding to national and global climate directives:

• TELUS has committed to SBTi-aligned emissions targets and publishes climate risk disclosures in accordance with TCFD.

• Enbridge is investing in carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable infrastructure as part of its net-zero strategy.

• The Government of British Columbia is advancing its CleanBC Roadmap with targets aligned to both 2030 and 2035 milestones.

These efforts reflect a growing urgency among Canadian stakeholders to build long-term resilience through ESG strategy and transparent reporting.

Why ESG Training Is Critical in 2025 for Canadian Companies

To meet regulatory and investor expectations, professionals need to move beyond general sustainability knowledge to applied ESG expertise. That’s where the Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program – Advanced Edition 2025 provides significant value.

Training Features Include:

• Alignment with the latest ESG frameworks and Canada’s national climate strategy

• Practical tools for stakeholder engagement, KPI selection, and reporting

• Sector-specific ESG case studies and risk mapping exercises

• Professional certification recognized globally

This program is designed for mid-to-senior professionals across industries—including corporate ESG managers, consultants, auditors, analysts, and public sector advisors.

Real-World Outcomes from ESG Certification

The training delivers measurable results:

• Over 1,000 professionals across 22 countries have completed the certification.

• 95% report increased confidence in leading ESG reporting, strategy, and disclosures.

• Participants come from sectors including energy, finance, government, retail, and logistics.

CSE’s program supports individuals and teams who want to strengthen their ESG capacity in line with Canada’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Addressing Challenges in ESG Implementation

While many organizations are committed to sustainability, common barriers include:

• Inconsistent ESG data across departments

• Rapidly evolving regulatory requirements

• Gaps in emissions accounting and scenario analysis

The Certified ESG Practitioner Program offers practical solutions by providing step-by-step guidance, toolkits, and benchmarking frameworks to overcome these challenges.

Your Checklist for ESG Readiness in 2025

To stay ahead of Canada’s 2035 targets, organizations and professionals should:

✅ Map their emissions baseline
✅ Integrate climate risk into enterprise planning
✅ Align disclosures with CSSB and ISSB frameworks
✅ Train staff on ESG tools, policies, and stakeholder expectations
✅ Join a global community of certified ESG leaders

Take the Lead: Advance Your ESG Capabilities Today

Canada’s enhanced 2035 emissions targets present both a challenge and an opportunity. ESG professionals who respond with timely upskilling and certification will be equipped to drive meaningful, measurable change.

Join the next Canadian cohort of the Certified ESG Practitioner Program – Advanced Edition 2025
🔗 Learn more and register now

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