Getting Where We Need to Go: Net-zero transport in Canada

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines a strategy for achieving net-zero passenger transportation in Canada. It advocates for a shift away from car-centric infrastructure toward active transport, electrified public transit, and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), supported by high-density urban planning. The document highlights the economic potential of a clean transport sector, including job creation in ZEV manufacturing and reduced household costs, while emphasizing significant public health benefits from reduced air and noise pollution.

• Canada's transportation emissions remained high in 2022, representing 22% of national emissions, with passenger transport (excluding freight) accounting for more than 50% of that total.
• Despite a low overall population density, 82% of Canadians live in urban areas, making the implementation of efficient urban planning and public transit feasible. However, current urban spaces have relatively low population densities due to zoning laws that restrict mixed-use neighbourhoods and high-density housing.
• Transitioning to a clean and efficient transport sector could create approximately 1.6 million jobs across Canada by 2050. Specifically, a ZEV and battery manufacturing industry, primarily in Quebec and Ontario, could support nearly 250,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute CAD 48 billion annually to the economy with adequate policy support.
• Car ownership is a significant financial burden for Canadian households, averaging CAD 16,644 annually. In contrast, ZEV passenger cars are estimated by the Parliamentary Budget Officer to cost 12% less than fossil-fuelled alternatives over an 8-year life cycle, saving over CAD 1,000 per year.
• Air pollution from fossil-fuelled vehicles contributes to significant health costs and mortality in Canada; a 2021 government study estimated 15,300 premature deaths annually associated with air pollution, with an economic cost of CAD 114 billion.
• Recent trends in Canada show mixed progress: ZEVs represented 16.5% of new light vehicle sales in Q3 2024, and charging infrastructure is expanding, particularly in Quebec and British Columbia. However, 70% of new passenger vehicle sales in 2022 were light-duty trucks, which are less efficient and more polluting than sedans or hatchbacks.

APA

Haig,, S. (2025). Getting Where We Need to Go: Net-zero transport in Canada. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/net-zero-transport-canada

Chicago

Haig,, Steven. Getting Where We Need to Go: Net-zero transport in Canada. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025. https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/net-zero-transport-canada.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Haig, |first1=Steven |title=Getting Where We Need to Go: Net-zero transport in Canada |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=17 March 2025 |url=https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/net-zero-transport-canada |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{haig2025getting, author = {Haig,, Steven}, title = {{Getting Where We Need to Go: Net-zero transport in Canada}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2025}, month = mar, url = {https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/net-zero-transport-canada}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }