Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Province and Territory

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in all provinces and territories, except for Yukon, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Quebec, were higher in 2010 than in 1990. The top five emitters (Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia) made up almost 90% (respectively 34%, 25%, 12%, 11% and 8%) of Canada’s national total of 692 megatonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) in 2010.

While Ontario was the province with the highest emissions in 1990, with its large manufacturing industry, it was subsequently surpassed by Alberta who’s emissions significantlyincreased (41%) since 1990, due primarily to the increase in production of petroleum resources for export markets. Ontario’s emissions were further reduced between 1990 and 2010 as a result of the province closing coal-fired electricity generation plants over that period. In 2010, the combined emissions from Alberta and Ontario contributed 59% (34% and 25%, respectively) to the national total of 692 Mt.

The province of Quebec–relying on abundant hydroelectric resources for electricity production–showed more stable emission results with some decreases being observed since 1990. Saskatchewan’s emissions increased by 69% between 1990 and 2010, 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, 2009 and 2010

Greenhouse gas emissions by province and territory, Canada, 1990, 2009 and 2010

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How this indicator was calculated

Note: Taken together, provincial/territorial emissions come short of the national total by approximately one percent because the emissions from some sources are estimated at the national level only.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Inventory Report 1990–2010: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada.

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