Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to "Buy Canadian clean" by prioritizing Government of Canada purchases to focus on low-carbon emission products and, where applicable, sustainability-certified materials. This commitment specifically targeted building materials, vehicle fleets, and other goods and services, with the goals of supporting clean growth, creating jobs, and bolstering Canadian businesses.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office in March 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration has emphasized clean energy and sustainability in its broader climate strategy. For instance, the government has shifted focus toward industrial emissions regulations and green technology investments, aiming to position Canada as a clean energy superpower. However, specific implementations directly tied to government procurement reforms remain limited as of September 1, 2025.

In terms of building materials, there have been initial discussions within the Department of Finance and Environment and Climate Change Canada about integrating sustainability criteria into federal infrastructure projects, but no formal policy changes have been enacted. For vehicle fleets, the government announced plans in May 2025 to accelerate the transition to electric and low-emission vehicles in federal operations, aligning with broader clean growth objectives. This includes subsidies for cleaner transportation, which indirectly supports the promise by encouraging low-carbon options in government purchases.

Regarding other goods and services, the administration has promoted clean growth through incentives for Canadian businesses producing sustainable products, such as tax credits for green tech firms. These efforts are intended to create jobs and support domestic industries, but they have not yet translated into mandatory prioritization in all federal procurement processes.

Legislation and Proposals Related to the Promise

No dedicated legislation has been passed specifically for this promise. However, in May 2025, the government tabled a motion to bring down costs for Canadians, which included measures to support clean energy development alongside the removal of the consumer carbon price. This motion indirectly relates to the promise by emphasizing investments in low-carbon technologies. Additionally, updates to Canada's Emissions Reduction Plan are under consideration, with lobbying from industry groups influencing potential integrations of sustainability into government purchasing guidelines. Proposed regulations for broader climate risk disclosures could eventually mandate sustainability certifications in procurement, but these are still in the drafting phase.

Progress on Key Outcomes

The promise aims to support clean growth, job creation, and Canadian businesses through prioritized purchases. As of now, the government's focus on green tech and trade tools has shown some advancement in clean growth, with reports indicating increased investments in sustainable sectors. Job creation efforts are evident in subsidies for electric vehicle production, potentially benefiting Canadian manufacturers. However, full prioritization in government purchases, such as requiring low-carbon building materials or certified products across all federal acquisitions, has not been comprehensively implemented, leaving these outcomes partially addressed.

To become kept, the government must enact binding procurement policies, such as amendments to the federal procurement act, mandating low-carbon and sustainability-certified preferences in all relevant categories by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This would include publishing guidelines for building materials, vehicle fleets, and services, with measurable targets for emission reductions and job impacts. If no such policies are introduced by mid-2026, or if budget constraints lead to deprioritization, the promise risks being broken.

Overall Status