Canada's greenhouse gas emissions total roughly 670 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually—about 1.5% of global emissions. This modest global share is often invoked to minimize Canada's climate responsibility. But per capita, Canada is among the world's highest emitters, and the composition of those emissions reveals much about Canadian economy and society. Understanding who emits what, and why, is essential for identifying effective reduction strategies.
The National Picture
Canada's emissions come from distinct sectors. Oil and gas production accounts for roughly 28%—the largest single sector. Transportation follows at about 25%. Buildings contribute around 13%. Heavy industry adds another 11%. Agriculture accounts for about 10%. Electricity generation, waste, and other sources make up the remainder.
This profile differs from many peer countries. Canada's oil and gas sector is unusually large, driving both the economy and emissions. Electricity is already relatively clean thanks to hydropower, leaving less opportunity for the quick wins other countries achieve by retiring coal plants. Cold climate increases heating demands. Vast distances increase transportation needs.
Emissions have been roughly flat since 2005—the baseline year for Canada's reduction targets. Some sectors have decreased while others have increased. Electricity emissions have fallen as coal plants retired. Transportation emissions rose until recently, reflecting population growth and vehicle choices. Oil and gas emissions fluctuated with production levels.
Provincial Variations
Canada's emissions are not evenly distributed. Alberta accounts for nearly 40% of national emissions, driven by oil and gas production. Ontario and Quebec together account for another 35%. Saskatchewan, with its oil production, agriculture, and coal electricity, has the highest per capita emissions. Hydropower provinces like Quebec and Manitoba have the lowest per capita emissions from electricity.
Provincial differences complicate national policy. Carbon pricing affects provinces differently based on their emissions profiles. Clean electricity standards are already met in some provinces while requiring transformation in others. Oil and gas policies directly threaten Alberta's economy while barely affecting other provinces.
These variations fuel political tensions. Provinces with high emissions resist policies that impose concentrated costs for diffuse national benefits. Provinces with low emissions may feel entitled to emit more. Federalism and climate policy fit awkwardly together.
The Oil and Gas Question
Canada's oil and gas sector dominates climate debates. Production emissions—from extraction, processing, and transportation—are among the highest globally per barrel due to energy-intensive oil sands operations. But production emissions are only part of the story; combustion emissions from burning exported oil and gas don't appear in Canada's inventory.
Industry argues that Canadian oil displaces dirtier sources and that production can be decarbonized. Critics counter that any oil production extends fossil fuel dependence and that decarbonizing production ignores the larger combustion problem. The debate involves economic interests, regional identity, and fundamentally different views of climate transition.
Export emissions are excluded from national inventories by international convention—emissions are attributed to the country where fuel is burned, not produced. This means Canada's inventory doesn't reflect the full climate impact of its oil exports. Different accounting would dramatically change Canada's apparent contribution.
Household Footprints
Individual Canadians have high carbon footprints by global standards—roughly 15-20 tonnes per person annually when consumption-based accounting is used. This includes not just direct emissions from driving and heating but also emissions embodied in consumed goods and services.
Footprints vary enormously across the population. Wealthy Canadians emit far more than low-income Canadians—larger homes, more vehicles, more air travel, more consumption generally. Geographic variation matters too—rural Canadians drive more; Albertans heat with gas while Quebecers often heat with electricity.
Reducing household footprints requires both individual choices and enabling infrastructure. Electric vehicles reduce transportation emissions—if clean electricity is available. Heat pumps reduce heating emissions—if housing is suitable and installers are available. Dietary change reduces food emissions—if affordable alternatives are accessible. Systemic change enables individual change.
Consumption vs. Production
Standard inventories count production emissions—what's emitted within national borders. Consumption-based accounting attributes emissions to where goods are ultimately consumed, regardless of production location. The difference reveals international trade in embodied carbon.
Canada is a net carbon exporter. Emissions from producing exported goods (especially oil) exceed emissions embodied in imports. By production accounting, Canada's emissions are about 670 million tonnes; by consumption accounting, somewhat less. This contrasts with countries like the UK, whose consumption footprint exceeds territorial emissions due to imported manufactured goods.
Which accounting is "right" depends on policy purpose. Production accounting matches national inventories and climate commitments. Consumption accounting better captures lifestyle impacts and avoids rewarding offshoring of emissions. Both perspectives offer valid insights; neither alone tells the complete story.
Questions for Consideration
How should Canada's small share of global emissions affect the ambition of its climate policies?
Should Canada's oil and gas sector be treated as an industry to decarbonize, or as one to phase out?
How should climate policy address provincial variations in emissions profiles and economic dependence on fossil fuels?
Should Canada take responsibility for emissions from combustion of its exported fossil fuels?
How should high-emitting individuals bear responsibility differently from low-emitting individuals?