The latest data on greenhouse gas emission projections indicate that Canada is on the right track to achieve its interim climate target and is closer to meeting its 2030 climate target.

On December 7, the Canadian Environment and Climate Change Agency released a new model showing the latest emissions trajectory in the country.

The projections depend on Canada meeting a full set of policies announced in its 2030 emission reduction plan and policies announced by the federal government since then. It also includes measures taken by provincial and territorial governments.

The model shows that Canadian climate-altering emissions should decrease by mid-decade, tilting the curve towards the specified interim climate target for 2026.

Ottawa set an interim climate target for 2026 under the Canadian Net-Zero Accountability Act.

This plan also calls for a 20 percent reduction in emissions by 2026 compared to 2005 levels. This means reducing emissions from 732 megatons to 586 megatons.

The latest projections indicate that Canada is on track to reduce its emissions to 573 megatons by 2026.

For his part, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said at a press conference held on December 7, "The data shows that our climate plan is successful."

The release of the interim emissions report coincided with the announcement of the regulatory framework created by Ottawa to limit polluting emissions from the fossil fuel industry.

The latest projections also show that Canada is on track to surpass its previous target of achieving a 30 percent reduction in polluting emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. This target was set by former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government.

In 2015, projections showed that Canada was on track to exceed greenhouse gas emissions levels of 2005 by 9 percent by 2030, but since then, many economic sectors have made real and measurable progress in reducing their emissions, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

An energy research center praised the federal government after the report was published.

Since the current government took office, many key measures have been taken to reduce emissions, including carbon pricing, which is widely regarded as one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce climate pollution. Quoted from the Clean Energy Statement in Canada.

Minister Wilkinson also criticized the climate change performance of both Harper and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who strongly opposes setting a price on fossil fuel pollution.

The Conservatives were contacted to provide their perspective, and they criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate and economic policies. They also spoke about their approach to addressing climate change.

The sane Conservatives will use technology, not taxes, to reduce emissions, said Sebastian Skamski, Communications Director for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, “We will eliminate those who control operations and give the green light to green projects to bring our industry and good jobs back home.”