Net Zero Advisory Committee

The Net Zero Advisory Committee is an advisory group with a legislated mandate in Section 8 of the Net Zero Carbon Act (2020) to provide advice based on diverse experience, knowledge, and evidence to the Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action on matters respecting climate change. 
The Net Zero Office operates within the Sustainability Division of the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action in the Government of PEI. In 2022 the Government of PEI released the Net Zero Framework with a vision to become Canada’s first Net Zero Province with targets for Net Zero Energy by 2030 and Net Zero for GHG Emissions by 2040. The framework consists of six pillars (Transportation, Buildings, Agriculture, Forestry, Waste/Clean Industry, and Leadership/Engagement) with key directions listed under each theme. Members in the Net Zero Advisory Committee bring expertise from each of the different pillars to the table.

What is the function of the committee?

The Net Zero Advisory Committee’s role is to provide advice to the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action on matters respecting climate change as outlined in section 8(2) of the Net Zero Carbon Act as follows:

• plans and actions to achieve PEI greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 2030 and 2040 target levels (as defined the Net-Zero Carbon Act, Section 7);
• plans and actions to manage climate change risks;
• opportunities for sustainable economic development and job creation while the province is transitioning to a low-carbon economy;
• the effects on individuals and businesses that result from actions to address climate change, including actions to (i) reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and (ii) manage climate change risks;
• the development and implementation of sustainability indicators for the province;
• legislation, policy, and programs for consistency with sustainable development principles and guidelines; and
• any other matters specified by the Minister respecting climate change. The Net Zero Advisory Committee is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Net Zero Office.

Primary Role:  Advisory

How many people are on the committee?

The Net Zero Carbon Act states that the Net Zero Advisory Committee may consist of up to 10 members, at least half of whom shall be women (Section 8.3) 

What are the requirements of committee members?

Individuals appointed to the committee will come from diverse backgrounds, including sectors, communities and subject matter expertise, to ensure different perspectives and experiences related to matters of climate change. 

Consultation with representatives from various groups, such as indigenous peoples, local governments, environmental organizations, academics, unions, persons living in rural communities, the business community; and any other persons or organizations the advisory committee considers appropriate will be carried out through representation on the Advisory Committee. This will be achieved by seeking member advice provided on the province’s consultation processes for net zero/climate change plans, and from time-to-time, individual members may be asked to participate in a consultation outside of the Advisory Committee meetings.

What are the nomination requirements?

Statutory Nomination Requirements

The Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action will appoint members to serve on the advisory committee.

Will I get paid?

The Net Zero Advisory Committee is a Category C board under Treasury Board’s Honoraria Policy. Per diems for this category are set at $113/diem for the chair and $73/diem for the members.

What is the time commitment of the committee?

Meetings will take place face-to-face at least 4 times (with an option for additional meetings, as necessary) in a given fiscal year.

The members are appointed by the Minister to serve for a two or three-year term, as determined by the Minister in the case of each member.  Members are eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

How can I apply?

If you would like to serve as a member of a provincial government, agency , board or commisson (ABC) you can apply online through Engage PEI.

Contact

Brittany Ziegler
Telephone: 902-288-1027
Email: baziegler@gov.pe.ca