Benchmarking SME decarbonisation policies ‑ Country notes: Canada

This country note highlights recent decarbonisation trends in Canada, examines information on the environmental footprint of Canadian SMEs, and outlines main government policies for SME decarbonisation. SMEs are central to Canada’s pathway to climate neutrality, accounting for a substantial share of GHG emissions – approximately 30% of total emissions from businesses with up to 100 employees. Despite a comprehensive federal climate policy framework, only a few policies provide specific provisions for SMEs. Dedicated decarbonisation support accessible to Canadian SMEs includes green tax credits for clean electricity investments and clean technology manufacturing, as well as advanced support for green innovators through programmes such as the Sustainable Development Technology Fund. These measures are complemented by awareness-raising initiatives, including Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge for SMEs, energy self-assessment tools and training programmes, as well as a range of projects implemented at the provincial level. Since 2018, these resources are accessible through the Clean Growth Hub, a centralised entry point supporting clean technology producers and adopters.

Canada is among the top five global producers of crude oil, natural gas, primary aluminium and copper, and is a net exporter of GHG emissions embodied in final demand. The country’s substantial energy production and high per-capita GHG emissions keep its level of emissions well above the OECD average. Nevertheless, Canada has achieved a relative decoupling of carbon emissions from real GDP growth since the early 2000s (Figure 1, Panel A) (OECD, 2025[1]). The Canadian electricity system is among the cleanest in the world, with a 68.5% share of renewables in power generation in 2022, largely dominated by hydropower (IEA, 2025[2]).

The largest sources of GHG emissions are energy industries (mostly oil and gas with a share of 30%), transport (23%) and buildings (12%) (Figure 1, Panel B) (Government of Canada, 2025[3]). The energy sector, heavy industries, such as steel, cement and mining, along with construction and transportation, are among the sectors that present the largest challenges on Canada’s path to climate neutrality. Canada has committed to reduce GHG emissions by 40-45% by 2030 and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to estimates of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), SMEs, defined as firms with 1 to 499 employees, accounted for 52% of business-related GHG emissions and 41% of Canada’s total emissions in 2020. Small businesses1 alone contributed 30% to total GHG emissions (BDC, 2023[4]).2

A study on SME GHG emissions, commissioned by the Canadian government, shows that sources of SME emissions largely vary widely by sector (Figure 2) (Climate Smart Businesses Inc., 2018[5]). For example, energy-intensive manufacturing sectors, as well as accommodation and food services, generate around half of their total GHG emissions from heating and refrigeration, 47% and 56% respectively. In contrast, SMEs in the transportation and warehousing, as well as construction sectors, emit the majority of their GHGs from fuel used in vehicles and operational equipment. Sectors with typically lower overall emissions, such as financial services, tend to have higher shares of emissions from energy use in buildings (e.g., electricity at 19%) and paper consumption (15%), as compared to other sectors.

As a result, the most effective strategies for GHG emission reduction in SMEs must be aligned with sector-specific emission profiles and prioritise actions based on whether their main emission sources lie in energy use in production, building energy use, transport activities or operational waste. Emissions profiles of SMEs vary significantly across regions. For example, Ontario, home to approximately half of Canada’s manufacturing industry, shows different emissions characteristics compared to British Columbia, whose economy is more service-oriented (Smart Prosperity Institute, 2020[6]). Accordingly, the study highlights that the motivations driving Canadian SMEs to act on climate change vary significantly by sector. For example, among surveyed manufacturing SMEs, 46% identified both energy cost savings and marketing advantages as their primary motivations for taking climate action. In contrast, within the financial sector, 43% of SMEs pointed to marketing benefits and brand-building as key drivers, while only 35% mentioned cost reduction (Climate Smart Businesses Inc., 2018[5]). Notably, 30% of financial firms cited the fulfilment of CSR mandates as a motivation – significantly higher than in sectors such as manufacturing (15%) or accommodation and food services (17%) which may reflect stronger external pressure from investors and regulators in the financial industry to comply with tightening sustainability requirements.

A BDC study3 surveyed over 1 700 Canadian SME owners regarding their climate actions. Half of the respondents reported having taken climate action in the past five years, while 18% have not yet acted but intend to do so within the next five years (Figure 3). Meanwhile, 32% of Canadian SMEs have neither acted nor plan to act – likely because most in this group (57%) believe that climate change will not impact their business (BDC, 2023[4]). Of the Canadian SMEs that have taken action, 33% are most likely to integrate climate considerations into their business strategy within the next five years. Similar survey data from European SMEs revealed a comparable trend, with many SMEs lagging behind in terms of climate strategies.4

The study also identified distinguishing characteristics between Canadian SMEs that have taken climate action and those that have not. SMEs that have taken action tend to be larger (more than 5 employees) and also demonstrate greater innovation capacity: 17% invest in R&D, compared to just 8% of those that have not taken any action. Additionally, these proactive SMEs are more internationally engaged, with 39% involved in exporting and/or importing, versus 30% among the non-acting group. Sectoral differences are also notable: 66% of manufacturing SMEs report having taken climate action, significantly higher than the average of 45% across all sectors. This may reflect the fact that manufacturing firms tend to experience higher energy use on average.

The survey data shows that among the 18% of Canadian SMEs planning to take climate action within the next five years, the most likely steps include improving Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency (42%) and raising employee awareness (41%). For SMEs that have not yet acted, the main barriers are competing urgent priorities (29%) and limited financial resources (26%) (Figure 4). Among those that have already implemented measures, the most significant challenges are a lack of internal expertise to track GHG reductions (43%) and uncertainty about the return on investment (39%). In combination, this highlights an untapped potential to increase investment by improving certainty around the payback of energy-efficiency measures and simplifying the measurement of GHG emissions.

Since 2016, Canada has implemented the “Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change”, which includes over 50 concrete federal policy measures targeting reduction of GHG emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting clean economic growth in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.5 Areas of policy action are broad and include carbon pricing, investments in renewable energy generation, and access to capital for innovative clean technology producers. The updated framework sets a target of reducing GHG emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Despite the comprehensive federal policy framework for climate action, a recent analysis of the green transition of SME manufacturers reveals that most federal programmes do not directly target SMEs, while not excluding them from participation. Of the 99 federal policies and programmes that were reviewed, only 5 included explicit provisions for SMEs (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]). On the other hand, given that energy regulation and air pollution control fall under provincial jurisdiction in Canada, provinces play a critical role in supporting SME decarbonisation. Also the 2020 review of Canada’s low-carbon policy ecosystem highlights that provincial governments are best positioned to incentivise voluntary emissions reductions among SMEs (Smart Prosperity Institute, 2020[6]).

Among Canada’s most influential decarbonisation policies of the Pan-Canadian Framework was the federal carbon pricing system (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]). In line with its commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement, the Government of Canada introduced the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act in 2018. The system included a national fuel charge applied at the point of consumption and an Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) for industrial emitters. Notably, SMEs were deliberately excluded from the OBPS to prevent placing a disproportionate regulatory burden on smaller firms (Smart Prosperity Institute, 2020[6]).

However, SMEs were affected by the national fuel charge. From the introduction of the national minimum price of CAD 20 per tonne in 2019 the price rose to CAD 50 per tonne in 2022. The price was projected to increase by CAD 15 per tonne from 2023 to 2030.6 As carbon prices rose, the increasing fuel charge created stronger incentives for SMEs, particularly in the energy-intensive manufacturing sector, to reduce their reliance on higher-polluting fuels (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]). Following a political shift in 2025, the federal fuel charge was discontinued, setting all federal fuel charges to zero since April 2025.7

In all provinces where the federal fuel charge applied8, around 9% of the proceeds are returned to SMEs,9 especially those in high-emitting sectors, through the “Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses”, an automatic, refundable tax credit. As part of the budget of 2024, the government announced to return over CAD 2.5 billion to around 600 000 Canadian SMEs (with up to 499 employees). In the absence of the federal fuel charge, the government aims to implement complementary measures including tightening the carbon pricing system for large industrial emitters, investment incentives for green building, electrification and sustainable transport and unlocking uptake of sustainable finance instruments (I4CE, 2025[8]).

Survey evidence from 2023 indicates that only 7% of Canadian SMEs have calculated their GHG emissions. An additional 12% plan to do so within the next five years. Among the small share of SMEs that have already measured their emissions, most focus on Scope 1 and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), reported by 55% (Scope 1) and 57% (Scope 2) of SMEs respectively. In contrast, only 24% have measured Scope 3 emissions (BDC, 2023[4]). Additionally, 31% of Canadian SMEs pointed to a lack of internal expertise to measure emission reductions, which highlights the need for guidance and support through easily accessible monitoring tools.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides a free Excel-based GHG calculator toolkit designed to help SMEs measure their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Users input key data, such as the business location, sector, floor area, fuel types used, energy consumption, or related expenses. The tool then generates estimates of total emissions, which is accompanied by visual graphs that show emissions by source and scope (BDC, 2025[9]).

In addition, BDC provides SMEs with complementary resources to facilitate the process of GHG emission measurement and follow-up action. For example, an online roadmap explains key features of carbon accounting standards (most prominently the “GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard”) and delivers guidance for businesses’ data collection process including through other simple tools such as Natural Resources Canada’s “Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator”. This online tool provides rough estimates of GHG emissions to help businesses better understand their consumption habits by converting inputted emissions and energy data into relatable, everyday comparisons.10

While specific data on the number of SMEs using the tools is not available, BDC reported that among SMEs that conducted an emissions inventory, 49% invested money in the process, for example by hiring an external consultant. On average they recovered their investment within 11 months (BDC, 2023[4]).

Considering the growing importance of Scope 3 emissions, new guidance is emerging, including a recent guideline for Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) in Canada (CPA, 2023[10]). This resource recognises the increasing role of Scope 3 emissions reporting in finance and accounting and provides practical tools to help CPAs develop measurement systems and implementation plans for reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions across the value chain of businesses. It leverages the free Scope 3 Evaluator of the GHG Protocol Reporting Standard to conduct sector-based screening across all 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions, including upstream (e.g., purchased goods and services) and downstream emissions (e.g., transportation and end-of-life treatment).

In addition to its carbon emissions roadmap, the BDC offers a dedicated “supply chain sustainability roadmap” to help SMEs and large companies reduce Scope 3 emissions, particularly through supply chain engagement and selection of greener supplies. The guidance includes practical strategies for engaging suppliers with high emissions-reduction potential. For instance, to support basic mapping and target-setting efforts, buyers are encouraged to request simple data, such as electricity use and on-site fuel consumption, from suppliers, many of whom may not yet track their emissions. Further guidance includes information on “green supplier” certifications such as the “B Corp” label or the international ISO 14001 certification as well as a guidebook on supplier engagement.11

Canada is also incentivising measurement across the entire supply chain by mainstreaming low-carbon products and services through its green public procurement initiatives, which encourage firms participating in large public tenders to disclose their Scope 1-3 emissions.

The federal government has developed resources to help SMEs and large companies identify energy-saving opportunities. The government department “Natural Resources Canada” offers the Energy Savings Toolbox, a comprehensive guide that assists businesses in conducting energy audits. It includes step-by-step instructions, Excel spreadsheets, and templates to facilitate data collection and analysis.12

Natural Resources Canada also provides free online training courses in energy management, particularly focused on building energy efficiency standards and targeted at instructors and professionals. In addition to these online offerings, smaller-scale government initiatives have supported the creation of physical training hubs in the past, such as the one launched in 2020 in partnership with the advocacy group Efficiency Canada.

During the pandemic, funding of around CAD 50 000 was also provided to the Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET) to deliver e-training resources.13 CIET, a private training organisation that frequently collaborates with the federal government, plays a key role in building capacity in the energy sector. It offers a range of professional certifications, including the Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) program, which focuses on audits in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as specialised courses on energy management systems.14 To be eligible for the certification, participants must hold a university degree in a relevant field (such as engineering, architecture, or business) and have at least three years of related work experience.

Established in 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology, the Clean Growth Hub serves as a one-stop shop for information on federal programmes and services dedicated to clean technologies. It is designed to support both producers and adopters of clean tech, including SMEs, by helping them access federal programmes and services that advance their projects. The Hub provides information on funding and support opportunities for clean tech initiatives at different stages of maturity, including tailored funding guides to help firms identify suitable schemes, as well as practical tools such as calculator tools for environmental projects.

The Clean Growth Hub also plays an important co-ordinating role across government and consolidates services for clean tech entrepreneurs. In 2023, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the federal public procurement office, joined the Clean Growth Hub. This addition allows the Hub to recommend relevant public procurement programmes and services for clean tech companies seeking to sell to the government. By linking services from multiple departments, the Clean Growth Hub provides a central entry point for Canadian clean tech innovators and entrepreneurs to federal supports to help them succeed.

Broader resources that may facilitate SME training for the green transition include the recently published “Green Skills Competency Framework”, which offers guidance for supporting SMEs in developing green skills. The framework was developed by the Diversity Institute, research lead for the Future Skills Centre, and funded by the Government of Canada. Its purpose is to assist Canadian SMEs and their workforces in transitioning to a net-zero economy by providing a structured roadmap for green skills development (Diversity Institute, 2025[11])

The framework outlines a progression of competencies starting from 1) foundational green literacy, to 2) transformational skills that enable environmental change within organisations, to 3) advanced sustainability expertise required to meet net-zero objectives. It is designed not only to guide SMEs in identifying pathways for green skills development but also to inform educational curricula and support policy development towards a low-carbon economy.

Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge is a dedicated awareness campaign to support Canada’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2050. The campaign encourages businesses to develop and implement credible plans to achieve net-zero emissions across their operations and facilities by 2050. To participate in the challenge, companies must submit a preliminary net-zero plan within 12 months of enrolment and a comprehensive plan within 24 months. They must also report progress annually and review and update their plans every five years (Government of Canada, 2025[12]).

Although SMEs (below 499 employees) are exempt from including their single most relevant category of Scope 3 emissions in their plans, they are strongly encouraged to identify and incorporate relevant Scope 3 categories into their net-zero strategies (Government of Canada, 2025[12]). As of August 2025, 212 SMEs and 77 large firms across Canada had joined the initiative.

A recent analysis of Canada’s policy landscape for SMEs found that most low-carbon programmes are oversubscribed and do not sufficiently reach the large share of the SME population. Moreover, available support on both federal and provincial levels is largely concentrated on capital projects, with relatively limited emphasis on capacity-building initiatives for SMEs (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]). The following section highlights some of the most relevant federal investment support programmes for SMEs introduced in recent years.

The Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) was an initiative to support actions for GHG emission reductions, funded by a portion of the federal carbon tax revenues. It was therefore only active in provinces that fell under the federal carbon pricing system. The CAIF was comprised of two funding streams, a project-based stream, and a rebate-based stream (see introductory section on carbon pricing).

In the SME project stream, the rebate financed 25% of project’s total cost for projects from CAD 20 000 to CAD 250 000 (Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, 2019[13]). The projects mostly focused on replacing outdated and inefficient machinery and equipment with high-efficiency ones, fuel switching to lower emitting fuels, and the installation of energy management systems. For example, the province of Saskatchewan was allocated CAD 21 million for its SME project-based stream, with most projects in the agriculture, manufacturing and real estate sectors.

Another initiative operating in provinces subject to the federal carbon pricing system was the “Energy Manager Program”, administered by Natural Resources Canada, running from 2019 to 2020. With a budget of CAD 3.1 million allocated across four eligible provinces, the programme provided funding to SMEs to hire dedicated energy managers or to carry out corporate or fleet energy assessment (Smart Prosperity Institute, 2020[6]). The programme specifically targeted energy-intensive SMEs that were not taking part in the Output-Based Pricing System for large emitters.

While specific data on SME participation in the Energy Manager Program is unavailable, both this programme and the CAIF (above) were oversubscribed in their first year (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]). This suggests strong demand and highlights the potential for incentivising additional energy efficiency action by SMEs through increased or more equitable funding support.

In 2017, the federal government established the CAD 2 billion Low Carbon Economy Fund to generate clean growth and reduce carbon emissions in Canada (Smart Prosperity Institute, 2020[6]). The Leadership Fund allocates federal funding totalling CAD 1.4 billion directly to provinces and territories, allowing each jurisdiction to determine how best to design and implement projects that support emissions reductions within their regional context (e.g., programmes for equipment retrofits for energy efficiency, changes in industrial product use, etc.).

Under the Fund CAD 600 million is allocated to the Low Carbon Economy Challenge, which funds innovative GHG emission reduction projects, with SMEs listed prominently as potential eligible recipients. Under the relevant SME stream, eligible costs for projects in energy efficiency, fuel switching, energy production, carbon capture and others are covered by the fund up to 25% of costs, with a minimum of CAD 20 000 to a maximum CAD 250 000. Despite the substantial overall funding available, only CAD 50 million was potentially accessible to SMEs, with just CAD 10 million specifically dedicated to SMEs under the 2019-20 Low Carbon Economy Challenge (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]).

In 2023, Canada introduced a range of tax credits to promote investment in the clean economy and remain competitive against US manufacturers in the wake of the US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. These tax credits include the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (containing a 15% tax refund for eligible clean electricity investments), the Carbon Capture Tax Credit and the Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing. As part of this last initiative, SMEs producing zero-emission technologies benefit from a reduced overall tax rate of 4.5% until 2035 (Green Economy Canada, 2024[7]).

While SMEs have access to these tax credits, they primarily target larger manufacturers. Examples of programmes that are more accessible to small firms can be found at the provincial level. For instance, Ontario’s “Save on Energy Small Business Program” offers grants of up to CAD 3 000 for lighting upgrades and up to CAD 2 500 for other energy-efficient measures, such as refrigeration systems and smart thermostats. The programme is developed in collaboration with its implementing partner, an Independent Electricity System Operator, and is available to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees (Save on Energy, 2025[14]).

In 2017, the government announced a funding extension of CAD 400 million over five years for the Sustainable Development Technology Fund (SD Tech Fund) which had been in place since 2001 and was managed by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The SD Tech Fund supported clean tech companies at different growth stages through three streams. The Seed Stream offered early-stage firms CAD 50 000 to CAD 100 000, provided the early stage-company received an accelerator nomination and investor backing. The Start-Up and Scale-Up Streams provided CAD 2 to CAD 5 million in non-repayable funding for companies with defined projects, customer engagement, and plans to scale.

The SD Tech Fund also partnered with provincially managed funds in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, thereby expanding its impact. For example, a joint investment of CAD 20 million each from SD Tech Fund and British Columbia’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund created a larger funding pool to support firms developing industrial-scale clean technology projects (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2025[15]).

Internal evaluation evidence of the SD Tech Fund notes that the programme addressed a gap in private equity investment. Recently, only a few large, mature companies in Canada were able to absorb late-stage venture financing and the large capital injections needed to become a globally competitive firm. A significant group of 87 Canadian start-ups (from 133 companies that received public funding support) have yet to reach maturity to raise a venture round which demonstrates that access to funding is critical for their survival and growth (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2025[15]).

In 2024, the mandate for SDTC programming was transitioned to the National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). NRC IRAP now offers (since July 2025) new Clean Technology programming that supports Canadian clean technology SMEs by funding innovations that have proven their concept at a small scale and demonstrated measurable, quantifiable environmental impacts, with a plan to commercialise. This financial support helps create the conditions necessary for SMEs to advance to larger-scale projects, while also providing advisory services and referrals to partners within Canada’s cleantech innovation ecosystem.

In Canada, SMEs are not legally mandated to comply with sustainability reporting. However, due to growing demand from large buyers, including green criteria mandated by federal government bodies, a significant share of Canadian SMEs, particularly those supplying large organisations, are already expected to report on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Following survey evidence from 2022, 59% of SMEs that supply large organisations are required to report on their ESG practices, with environmental indicators such as reduced energy consumption being the most frequently demanded by buyers (BDC, 2023[16]).15

The study shows that also 82% of 121 large buyers surveyed require their suppliers to provide at least one ESG criterion. The most significant environmental criteria focus, directly or indirectly, on reducing GHG emissions (Figure 5). Requirements from large buyers are expected to rise, with 75% of firms reporting plans to strengthen their ESG disclosure demands over the next five years (BDC, 2023[16]).

To support growing sustainability reporting needs among both SMEs and large companies, Canada introduced a new flagship framework, the Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS), which came into effect in 2025. While initially voluntary, the standards aim to provide a harmonised framework for sustainability-related financial disclosures.

The CSDS include both general sustainability-related reporting requirements, and climate-related disclosures, including Scope 1, 2, and potentially Scope 3 emissions, physical risks from climate change (e.g., extreme weather events), and transition risks (e.g., shifting consumer preferences). The phased approach allows businesses time to adapt to the new standards which are largely aligned with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).16

[9] BDC (2025), Greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator toolkit, https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/sustainability/climate-action-centre/articles/greenhouse-gas-ghg-calculator-toolkit.

[16] BDC (2023), ESG in Your Business: The Edge You Need to Land Large Contracts, https://www.bdc.ca/en/about/analysis-research/esg.

[4] BDC (2023), The Benefits for SMEs of Taking Climate Actions, https://www.bdc.ca/globalassets/digizuite/44058-benefits-smes-taking-climate-actions-study.pdf?utm_campaign=AUTO-TO-ST-Benefits_SME_Climate-EN&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&utm_term=&elqTrackId=78b558d2b0ca44678610776b4460c94c&elq=c1bf0965a0334943930.

[5] Climate Smart Businesses Inc. (2018), 200 Million Tonnes of Opportunity – How small and medium-sized businesses can drive Canada’s clean economy, https://ccli.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/200-Million-Tonnes-of-Opportunity.pdf.

[10] CPA (2023), Climate impacts of value chains: Tackling Scope 3 GHG emissions, https://www.cpacanada.ca/business-and-accounting-resources/other-general-business-topics/sustainability/publications/tackling-scope-3-ghg-emsissions.

[11] Diversity Institute (2025), Greenification of SMEs: Green Skills Competency Framework, https://www.torontomu.ca/content/dam/diversity/reports/green-skills-competency-framework/greenification-of-smes-green-skills-competency-framework.pdf.

[18] Eurobarometer (2024), The official portal for European Data, https://data.europa.eu/data/datasets/s3221_fl549_eng?locale=en.

[3] Government of Canada (2025), Greenhouse gas emissions - Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/greenhouse-gas-emissions.html.

[12] Government of Canada (2025), Reference Document for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to the Net-Zero Challenge Technical Guide, https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050/challenge/reference-technical-guide-small-medium-sized-enterprises.html#toc6.

[7] Green Economy Canada (2024), Unlocking Net-Zero Pathways for SME Manufacturers, https://greeneconomy.ca/unlocking-pathways-to-net-zero/.

[8] I4CE (2025), In the absence of a carbon tax in Canada, measures to fill the gap are essential, https://www.i4ce.org/en/absence-carbon-tax-canada-measures-fill-gap-essential-climate/.

[17] I4CE (2024), Maximising benefits of carbon pricing through carbon revenue use: A review of international experiences, http://Maximising benefits of carbon pricing through carbon revenue use: A review of international experiences.

[2] IEA (2025), Canada, https://www.iea.org/countries/canada.

[15] Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2025), Evaluation of the Sustainable Development Technology Fund - Audit and Evaluation Branch Evaluation Report, https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/audits-evaluations/sites/default/files/documents/SD-Tech-Fund-Evaluation-Report-en.pdf.

[1] OECD (2025), Environment at a Glance: Canada, https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/environment-at-a-glance-country-notes_59ce6fe6-en/canada_c019e75a-en.html.

[13] Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (2019), Recap of the Federal Climate Action Incentive Fund Rebate Program for Saskatchewan-Based SMEs, https://saskchamber.com/assets/2019/12/recap-of-the-federal-climate-action-incentive-fund-rebate-program-for-sk-smes.pdf.

[14] Save on Energy (2025), Small Business Program, https://saveonenergy.ca/en/For-Your-Small-Business/Programs-and-Incentives/Small-Business-Program.

[6] Smart Prosperity Institute (2020), The Low Carbon Policy Ecosystem: Leaving Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Behind, https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/sites/default/files/Policy%20Ecosystem%20Report%20-%20Final.pdf.