Mark Carney Accused of Embracing New Form of Climate Denialism
The author argues that Prime Minister Mark Carney is leading a “new climate denialism” by supporting fossil-fuel projects while claiming to address climate change.
The article defines “new climate denialism” as political leaders who accept climate science yet obstruct meaningful action, using all-the-above rhetoric to avoid hard choices. It points to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent advocacy for a second west-coast oil pipeline, expanded LNG, and the omnibus Building Canada Strong Act, which fast-tracks megaprojects and limits Indigenous and environmental opposition. The author highlights a series of policy reversals, including the elimination of the consumer carbon price, weakening of methane regulations, and delaying clean-electricity mandates to 2050.
These steps, according to the writer, will increase domestic emissions and boost overseas carbon output from Canadian exports. The piece concludes that Carney’s approach exemplifies the new denialism, contrasting it with earlier, more overt deniers like former US President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
Canada's climate policies affect global emissions and domestic affordability, making the government's direction critical for both citizens and the planet.
How this story developed
- Aug 24 Trump threatens 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts starting 2027
- Sep 7 Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Bombardier must start manufacturing in the United States if it wants to keep selling its aircraft there.
- Sep 8 Trump restated the production requirement while referencing his prior tariff threat.
- Sep 8 Bombardier acquired a Canadian wing‑production facility from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
- Sep 9 Prime Minister Carney publicly demanded an end to meme‑filled attacks amid the trade dispute.
- Sep 9 The summit, a flagship event aimed at attracting both domestic and overseas capital, will feature over 160 projects seeking investments from $25 million to several hundred million dollars. Harper, now chair of Alberta Investment Management Corp, will speak after Carney’s opening remarks, underscoring that courting foreign money is a cross-party effort. Other keynote speakers include John Graham of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, while senior executives from BlackRock, Barclays and sovereign wealth funds are also expected.
- Sep 14 Stephen Harper was confirmed to give the closing speech.
- Sep 16 Carney reaffirmed Canada‑US partnership despite new U.S. tariffs.
- Sep 17 Prime Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament that Canada appreciates the EU’s offer to join as its inaugural associate member and outlined a wide-ranging partnership vision.
- Sep 17 President Donald Trump threatened steep tariffs in response to the EU‑Canada partnership proposal.
- Sep 19 EU officials noted that the associate‑member concept has no existing definition in EU law and would need unanimous approval of all member states.
- Sep 22 Trump told reporters he wants to stop sending diesel abroad, citing the surge in diesel costs driven by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is reviewing whether a full or partial ban is feasible. Republican Senate hopefuls, including Ashley Hinson, have urged the government to adopt the ban to ease price pressures on Americans.
- Sep 23 Rural GOP lawmakers have publicly demanded action on diesel exports ahead of the November election.
- Sep 24 President Trump announced support for a diesel export ban.
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