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Budget 2026 Consultations Are Open — Here's What Canadians Should Ask For

July 7, 2026 Ottawa wants your input on Budget 2026 before September 8. Here's what the consultation actually is, why it matters to your wallet, and what to say if you take part. The bottom line: On July 6, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne launched pre-budget consultations for this fall's federal budget. Canadians can submit input online until September 8, 2026 at Canada.ca/yourbudget. It's a rare, direct window to flag what's actually squeezing your household before the government finalizes tax, benefit, and spending decisions for next year. What Just Happened The Department of Finance officially opened the pre-budget consultation process for Budget 2026, which will be tabled this fall. The stated priorities are broad — boosting investment and competition, strengthening economic sovereignty, and addressing the "most pressing economic challenges facing Canadians today." Over the summer, Champagne, along with Secretary of State Wayne Long and Parl...
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Global Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Reach Unprecedented Levels in 2023

 

In a concerning development, global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) surged to a record high last year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that these emissions rose by 410 million tonnes, representing a 1.1% increase, bringing the total to 37.4 billion tonnes.

Several factors contributed to this alarming trend:

  1. Fossil Fuel Use in Drought-Affected Regions: Countries grappling with droughts faced challenges in hydropower production. As a result, they turned to fossil fuels, exacerbating emissions.
  2. China’s Economic Reopening: China’s economy rebounded, leading to increased energy demand and subsequent emissions.
  3. Renewables and Electric Vehicles: While clean technologies like wind, solar, and electric vehicles helped curb emissions growth, other factors offset these gains.

Scientists emphasize that steep cuts in CO2 emissions are essential to meet global climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Without rapid reductions, we risk runaway climate change. The challenge lies in swiftly transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing sustainable alternatives.

Regional Trends

  • United States: Energy-related emissions fell by 4.1%, primarily driven by reductions in the electricity sector.
  • European Union: Emissions dropped by nearly nine per cent due to increased renewable power generation and decreased coal and gas power.
  • China: Despite contributing significantly to solar, wind, and electric vehicle additions, China’s emissions rose by 5.2% as it recovered from COVID-19-related lockdowns.

Globally, electric vehicles accounted for one in five new car sales in 2023, reaching 14 million—a remarkable 35% increase compared to 2022.

The urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated. Our collective efforts must focus on sustainable energy sources and innovative solutions to combat climate change. 

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