The Government of Canada has announced plans to release its third green bond denominated in Canadian dollars this week, subject to market conditions. Having issued a 10-year, $4 billion green bond in February 2024, to which it re-opened in October 2024 for an additional $2 billion issue, Canada had the combined demand for both sales surpass $11 billion, attesting to Canada’s green bond strong market demand.
A Continuing Commitment to Sustainability
This new issuance will be the second green bond transaction of fiscal year 2024-25, completing half of Canada’s green bond issuance target as outlined in Budget 2024.
Canada’s green bond framework is one component of a broader commitment to clean growth, renewable energy, climate action, and environmental stewardship. Green bonds provide private capital for projects that are environmentally friendly such as green infrastructure and the conservation of nature, thereby positioning the nation as a global leader in sustainable finance.
A Global First for Green Bond Framework
The new issue will be the country’s third green bond to come under its new Green Bond Framework published on November 21, 2023. Notably, Canada is the initial sovereign borrower to include specific nuclear expenditures as part of its green bond framework, a testament to the country’s singular emphasis on promoting clean nuclear energy in addition to renewable energies.
Also read: Canada Launches Revised Clean Electricity Regulations with Net-Zero Grid Target by 2050
Investing in a Greener Tomorrow
Through the issuance of green bonds, the country is facilitating the acceleration of sustainable initiatives domestically and internationally. Additionally, the bonds target investors seeking environmentally friendly investment vehicles supported by Canada’s top-tier AAA credit rating. They also help expand the Canadian sustainable finance market, funding essential clean energy and climate action initiatives.