Through policy reform, investment and coordination at both the national and subnational levels, Canada is phasing out coal emissions while protecting workers and communities.

In 2012, Canada introduced regulations requiring coal-fired power plants to meet stringent performance standards to limit their emissions. The province of Ontario was the first jurisdiction in North America to eliminate coal power by banning it in law. It committed to phasing out coal in 2003 and closed its last coal unit in 2014, moving away from a grid where coal previously represented 25% of the supply mix.

The province of Alberta eliminated coal-fired plants in 2024, 6 years ahead of schedule, resulting in a decline in emissions from electricity generation by 53% since 2004. The federal Task Force on Just Transition for Coal Power Workers and Communities produced concrete recommendations for just transition priorities. Federal and provincial support for skills development, economic diversification, and infrastructure projects is enabling the transition.