April 2011: The Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP) published a report, titled “Green Economy for Canada: Consulting with Canadians.” The report sought the perspectives of diverse governments, NGOs, and thought leaders across Canada on what a green economy could mean for Canada in the lead-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio +20).

Between November 2010 and February 2011, CIELAP conducted 27 interviews with participants from Canadian provinces, territories and municipalities; professional business associations, and NGOs. In addition, 32 individuals from the broader public participated through an online survey.

The report includes recommendations on what Canada’s priorities should be for the UNCSD. The recommended priorities include: showing leadership on a green economy and the three pillars of sustainability; taking stronger action on climate change measures; involving Canadian stakeholders and governments; promoting technology investment and transfer; promoting ecosystem goods and services; and encouraging a better understanding and clarification of the concept of a green economy as well as how the concept could be carried out at all jurisdictional levels.

In the report, CIELAP also offers a number of suggested next steps, including: a call for federal leadership; a stronger national dialogue and development of a shared vision in advance of Rio+20; and clear price signals and investment in technology and green business. [Publication: A Green Economy for Canada: Consulting with Canadians] [Rio+20 News Release]