SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-383

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 14, 2024
Prohibiting the Export of Thermal Coal Act
  • This is a bill called the Prohibiting the Export of Thermal Coal Act. It was introduced in the House of Commons in Canada. The purpose of this bill is to stop the export of thermal coal from Canada, unless a permit is issued by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Transport. The bill states that the combustion of thermal coal contributes to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The Prime Minister and the Minister of the Environment have made commitments to ban thermal coal exports by 2030. The bill includes provisions for permits, conditions, and penalties for non-compliance. The Governor in Council can make regulations related to permits and permit applications. The bill will come into force on a date determined by the Governor in Council.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • S1
  • S2
  • S3
  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-383: An Act to Prohibit the Export of Thermal Coal from Canada One of the main arguments in favor of Bill C-383 is the urgent need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The combustion of thermal coal is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 30% of recent annual emissions. By prohibiting the export of thermal coal from Canada, this bill aims to reduce the downstream combustion of coal and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. Canada has ratified the Paris Agreement, which sets the objective of limiting the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Achieving these targets requires a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. By banning the export of thermal coal, Canada can demonstrate its commitment to meeting these targets and taking meaningful action on climate change. Furthermore, the bill aligns with the commitments made by the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Environment to ban thermal coal exports from and through Canada by no later than 2030. This legislation provides a concrete step towards fulfilling these commitments and sends a strong signal to the international community that Canada is serious about addressing climate change. In addition to the environmental benefits, the prohibition of thermal coal exports can also have positive impacts on public health and safety. The combustion of coal releases various pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which have detrimental effects on air quality and human health. By reducing the export of thermal coal, this bill can contribute to improving air quality and protecting the health of Canadians. To address any potential concerns about economic impacts, the bill includes provisions for the issuance of permits in cases where the export of thermal coal is deemed necessary to address an imminent threat to human health or safety or to the environment. This allows for flexibility in exceptional circumstances while still maintaining the overall prohibition on thermal coal exports. Overall, Bill C-383 presents a strong case for prohibiting the export of thermal coal from Canada. By taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect public health, and fulfill international commitments, this legislation demonstrates Canada's commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable future.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-383: Bill C-383, which aims to prohibit the export of thermal coal from Canada, is a misguided and unnecessary piece of legislation that infringes on individual liberties and undermines the principles of free market capitalism. While it is important to address environmental concerns, this bill takes a heavy-handed approach that ignores the economic consequences and fails to consider alternative solutions. Firstly, the bill assumes that the combustion of thermal coal is solely responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. However, it is important to note that Canada's thermal coal exports only account for a small fraction of global emissions. Placing a ban on thermal coal exports from Canada will not significantly impact global emissions or address the root causes of climate change. Instead, it will only harm the Canadian economy and hinder job growth in the coal industry. Furthermore, this bill disregards the economic benefits that the coal industry brings to Canada. The coal industry provides employment opportunities for thousands of Canadians and contributes to the country's economic growth. By prohibiting thermal coal exports, this bill threatens the livelihoods of workers in the industry and undermines the economic stability of coal-producing regions. Additionally, this legislation undermines the principles of free trade and interferes with the functioning of the global market. By restricting the export of thermal coal, Canada is limiting its ability to participate in international trade and potentially damaging its relationships with trading partners. This protectionist approach goes against the principles of free market capitalism and may lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, further harming the Canadian economy. Instead of imposing a blanket ban on thermal coal exports, the government should focus on promoting technological advancements and investing in cleaner energy alternatives. By incentivizing research and development in renewable energy sources, Canada can contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing economic growth and job opportunities. In conclusion, Bill C-383 is an ill-conceived piece of legislation that fails to consider the economic consequences and alternative solutions to address climate change. Rather than imposing a ban on thermal coal exports, the government should focus on promoting innovation and investing in cleaner energy alternatives. This approach will allow Canada to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change while maintaining a strong and prosperous economy.
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 14, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • Feb. 14, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • Passed