ec•o•fis•cal policy /ekōˈfiskəl/ adj.
An ecofiscal policy corrects market price signals to encourage the economic activities we do want (job creation, investment, and innovation) while reducing those we don’t want (greenhouse gas emissions and the pollution of our land, air, and water).
New Research
In its final report, the Ecofiscal Commission takes a closer look at Canada’s options for achieving its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target. To reduce costs, carbon pricing should play a central role. To achieve our GHG target, carbon prices should continue to rise. Other policy approaches, though less visible, are more costly for Canadians.
A climate change plan without a price on carbon is like a house without a foundation. Sure, it can do the job, but you’ll take on a lot of unnecessary costs. Pollution pricing works. It’s working around the world. It’s working here in Canada.
Latest Blog Posts
An Open Letter from Economists on Canadian Carbon PricingMarch 26, 2024
Annual Report 2019: Letter from the ChairApril 22, 2020
A final note on Canada’s Ecofiscal CommissionNovember 29, 2019
Can we improve the efficiency of carbon pricing and regulations?November 28, 2019
Why carbon pricing remains the smartest policy toolNovember 28, 2019
Carbon Pricing Portal
Carbon Pricing Research Carbon Pricing Q&As Carbon Pricing Fast FactsCourses & Events
Real Options: The policies that cut our emissions affordablyOnline
November 28, 2019
Latest Videos
The Logic of Pollution Pricing
Our final video, with Chair Chris Ragan
3 Common Carbon Pricing Myths
About jobs, affordability and big emitters
Cutting the Waste
The Other Side of The Waste Story
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The link between unpriced risk and disasters
Carbon Pricing
Climate change is costing us. Carbon pricing works.
User Fees for Water and Wastewater Services
Report: Only the Pipes Should be Hidden
Carbon Taxes
How does a carbon tax work?
Cap-and-Trade
How does a cap-and-trade system work
What should your province do with its carbon revenue?
Six revenue recycling options explored in Choose Wisely.
Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission
Practical solutions for growing prosperity
Livable Cities
Traffic congestion, overflowing landfills, and urban sprawl—these are some of the biggest challenges facing Canadian cities. We look at how new policies can make urban life more livable. Learn more.
Climate and Energy
From carbon pricing to energy subsidies, we analyze the policy opportunities and challenges defining Canada’s climate and energy landscape today. Learn more.
Water
Can you put a price on clean water? We examine new Canadian policy solutions for water pollution, over-consumption, and infrastructure. Learn More.
Meet the people behind the Commission
Can pricing pollution really be good for the economy?
Here's what some of our commissioners had to say.
Steve Williams
CEO Suncor
Jim Dinning
former treasurer of AlbertaThis is about showing governments that sensible policy tools can reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while helping the economy—and also be consistent with their provincial priorities.
Jean Charest
Former Premier of QuebecSmart policy means using revenue from pollution fees to reduce taxes in a way that encourages job creation and gives money back to families.
Michael Harcourt
Former premier of B.C. and mayor of Vancouver
Steve Williams
President and CEO, Suncor EnergyWe need to be thinking about how to stay competitive not just in five or 10 years, but also in 20 and 50 years. The Commission is focusing on solutions that will make Canadian industries more competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Paul Martin
former Prime Minister of CanadaCanadian competitiveness concerns require making smart ecofiscal decisions, not delaying them.
Michael Harcourt
Former premier of B.C. and mayor of Vancouver
Michael Harcourt
Former premier of B.C. and mayor of VancouverIf we do it right, these policies will protect the most vulnerable Canadians. This is about being smart in our policy choices—but it’s also about being fair.