Fighting climate change

2025 pre-budget submission: Invest in universities to build a stronger Canada

Universities Canada’s pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in advance of Budget 2025

Our position

Climate change threatens Canada’s future. The time to act is now and universities are leading the charge.

Universities play an instrumental role in Canada’s commitment to be net zero by 2050 and are at the forefront of climate action.

Universities lead cutting-edge climate research, providing evidence-based solutions that inform policy and drive technological advancements. They prepare future generations with the skills and knowledge to find innovative approaches to fight climate change and test new technologies in real time.

As community anchors, universities collaborate locally to build resilience, share resources and offer safe gathering spaces during climate crises such as floods and wildfires. Universities are also actively reducing their own emissions, with several already achieving net zero or carbon neutrality.

Greater investment from public and private sectors is needed for Canada’s universities to tackle the biggest climate change challenges, reduce their own emissions and help Canada successfully reach net zero by 2050.

Background and context

Canada’s universities have long been leaders in sustainability. Through Action for net zero—an initiative introduced by Canada’s universities in 2023—Universities Canada is working with its members to measure and track the sector’s climate progress, serve as a hub for sharing best practices to accelerate climate action, advocate for the necessary support to meet targets and collaborate on local, national and international levels to maximize impact.

This initiative focuses on six key actions:

Six action areas:

By the numbers

328

programs of study

328 dedicated sustainability and climate-focused programs of study are offered at 51 universities across Canada.

20 K

sustainability courses

There are over 20,000 sustainability courses offered at Canadian universities.

700

climate-focused continued education courses

There are over 700 climate-focused continued education courses and hundreds of immersive WIL experiences offered at Canadian universities.

7K

climate researchers

There are over 7,000 climate researchers at Canadian universities.

70

research centres and institutes

Over 70 climate-related research centres and institutes are spread across the country.

40

campuses as living labs

Over 40 Canadian universities use their campuses to research and test innovative sustainability practices and technologies while providing students with hands-on learning experiences.