Culture Minister Guilbeault declined to comment on the award as he entered Parliament, while Bloc Québécois climate critic Patrick Bonin supported the award, criticizing Liberal subsidies to oil and gas until 2040.

Canada received the satirical 'fossil of the day' award at COP30 in Brazil, highlighting international scrutiny of its climate policy and perceived gaps between global commitments and domestic action.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May shifted to support the budget, arguing it shows some progress despite lingering concerns.

The federal budget reinforces carbon pricing and finalizes methane regulations, while proposing to roll back a plan that would require upstream oil and gas emissions reductions of 35% below 2019 levels by 2030.

Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed commitment to Paris Agreement goals, signaling a clearer government stance after a period of vagueness.

Canada maintains a legal target of net-zero by 2050 and a Paris-aligned 2030 goal of at least 40% emissions reductions from 2005 levels, though officials previously hesitated to publicly endorse the 2030 target.

The overall picture shows tension between stated climate commitments and recent budget and regulatory moves.

Activists noted the award as a critique of Canada’s policies, underscoring inconsistencies between international climate pledges and domestic measures.

Climate activists and opposition argue the policy shifts amount to backsliding, pointing to subsidies to oil and gas and delays in climate measures.

The Canadian Press story was published on November 19, 2025, reporting on these developments.

Climate Action Network Canada and Climate Action Network International criticized what they view as backtracking, with international actors noting damage to Canada’s standing and multilateral effort.