As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That, when implementing post-COVID-19 economic recovery initiatives while seeking to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, the Government of Canada ensure that the initiatives support innovation at Canadian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

Recommendation 2

That, when implementing post-COVID-19 economic recovery initiatives while seeking to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, the Government of Canada consider the impact of the initiatives on vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, Indigenous Canadians, racialized Canadians, people with disabilities, low-income families, rural and remote communities and farmers, who may be particularly hard hit by energy prices. In addition, that, when developing and implementing these initiatives, the Government of Canada ensure that these vulnerable populations are consulted and fully included in the economic recovery.

Recommendation 3

That, in consultation with affected groups, the Government of Canada take steps to increase the participation and general role of Indigenous Canadians in the various industries connected with the energy transition, including oil and gas, mining, hydrogen and forestry. For example, that it take concrete steps to meet the 5% Indigenous procurement target as quickly as possible.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada ensure that Canadian workers have access to retraining programs so they have the ability to work in sectors going through radical transformation. Where applicable, that it ensure that companies have the resources to create their own retraining programs and to encourage their employees to enrol.

Recommendation 5

That, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, the Government of Canada implement a comprehensive strategy for assessing the production cycle of various products, in order to determine their actual environmental cost so the government can make more informed decisions. This includes, but is not limited to, mineral extraction and production, the place and manner in which goods are produced and assembled and management of the resulting waste, while ensuring timely approval of projects in order to remain globally competitive and advance projects that are critical to building the low-carbon economy.

Recommendation 6

That, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, the Government of Canada implement a comprehensive strategy for a circular economy for recycling, similar to other provinces.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada draw on examples of regulations to prohibit the practice of planned obsolescence and all associated techniques that deliberately aim to reduce product lifespans in favour of high replacement rates, and encourage environmental durability solutions amongst manufacturers.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada strengthen its approach in specific key sectors to fight climate change, including with strategies in the following sectors:

• Strategic and critical minerals, to streamline rules to bring critical minerals to market;
• Digital transformation;
• Aeronautics, automobile and space industries;
• Innovation research and investment.

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada immediately table a bill to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada develop programs to support and develop the network of electric and intelligent transportation, that it increases the amounts devoted to transportation research and innovation in Canada, and that it immediately invests in organizations that are transition ready.

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada lead the way in the energy transition, incorporating this transition into all its practices, particularly with regards to federal properties and vehicle fleets:

• that it expedites the energy efficient transformation of federal properties, and that the subsidies received by companies are dependent upon the energy efficiency of their buildings;
• that it finances a program of electric charging stations at Canada Post offices and for those municipalities that request them, and that it offer incentives for those purchasing hybrid or zero-emission vehicles to accelerate this transition.