Trudeau's zero content, zero emissions plan

The Justin Trudeau government has unveiled its "plan" or "road map" for Canada to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050.  I have placed those terms in quotes because this isn't much of a plan, and it's no kind of a road map. It is at most a statement of intent, another example of the government's addiction to virtue signalling.

The zero emissions by 2050 goal is one the government has been talking about for some time. Today it has tabled legislation, Bill C-12, which the CBC website, quoting Trudeau, portrays as "an accountability framework that will "ensure we reach this net-zero goal in a way that gives Canadians confidence."  At first blush that sounds pretty vague, and the details do nothing to correct that impression. Let's return to the CBC article for more:

" (The) bill doesn't set out exactly how the federal government should go about reducing emissions — it does not mandate further increases to the carbon tax, for example. It simply stipulates that Ottawa must set a goal and work to achieve it through measures that are deemed effective".

So there are no details?  How about a timetable, then? Well, sort of: 

"The legislation also requires that the minister table a plan in Parliament outlining how Ottawa plans to meet those targets. The legislation does not stipulate what role the provinces and territories will play in this national emissions reduction plan.

The first emissions reduction target, and the plan to meet it, would be tabled nine months after the bill is passed through Parliament. That first target would be for the year 2030.

Nine months after the bill is passed, so in all likelihood a year or more from today! Didn't Trudeau tell the media this morning that Canadians "want climate action now"? Oh well, there must at least be meaningful consequences if the interim or final targets are not reached, right? Far from it!

"While the government describes this legislation as "legally binding," there would be no tangible penalty applied if the country fails to drive down emissions as promised.

The government would simply have to state publicly in Parliament that it failed to meet its goals. There would be no meaningful legal consequences if Ottawa falls short. "

What's more, "A future government also could simply repeal the law and do away with reporting obligations altogether."

I accept the science regarding climate change and accept that we have to do something about it, though I'm no eco-warrior. This legislation is astoundingly vacuous and almost completely pointless. Can't wait to hear what Greta Thunberg has to say about it.