Canada’s oil and gas sector received $13 billion in EDC subsidies during the pandemic

(The Narwal, Victoria, 15 April 2021) Despite repeated promises to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, Canada’s federal government dedicated $18 billion in 2020 to assist the country’s oil and gas sector, according to a new report from Environmental Defence that outlines additional support for the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared last March.  Included in the $18 billion are $3.28 billion in direct spending and $13.6 billion in public financing for oil and gas companies that primarily comes from the opaque crown corporation Export Development Canada, according to the report, Paying Polluters: Federal Financial Support to Oil and Gas in 2020.