Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Province and Territory

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in all provinces and territories, except for Yukon, Ontario and Quebec, were higher in 2011 than in 1990. The top five emitters (Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia) released almost 90% (35%, 24%, 11%, 10% and 8%, respectively) of Canada’s national total of 702 megatonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) in 2011.

Ontario’s GHG emissions were higher than those from the other provinces in 1990 because of its large manufacturing industry. Alberta’s emissions subsequently surpassed Ontario’s significantly, increasing 46% since 1990--primarily because of the increase in production of petroleum resources for export markets. Ontario’s emissions were reduced between 1990 and 2011 primarily because of the closure of coal-fired electricity generation plants. In 2011, the combined emissions from Alberta and Ontario represented 59% (35% and 24%, respectively) of the national total of 702 Mt.

Emissions from Quebec were more stable, with some decrease since 1990, as Quebec relies on abundant water resources for electricity generation. Saskatchewan’s emissions increased by 67% between 1990 and 2011, mainly because of increased activity in the export-intensive resource sectors of oil and gas, potash, and uranium mining.

Greenhouse gas emissions by province and territory, Canada, 1990, 2010 and 2011

Greenhouse gas emissions by province and territory, Canada, 1990, 2010 and 2011

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How this indicator was calculated

Note: Emission levels for some previous years have been revised in light of improvements to estimation methods and availability of new data.
Source:Environment Canada (2013) National Inventory Report 1990–2011: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada. 

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