Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, has said that his government is speeding up the planned elimination of
traditional coal-fired power plants.

He confirmed that Canada will phase out traditional coal power by 2030; this will affect four facilities in Canada: two in Nova Scotia and one each in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.

Canada is pressing ahead with plansto cut CO₂ emissions amid warnings that doing so will create a competitive imbalance with the USA, where President-elect Donald Trump wants to back out of climate pledges and boost coal production.

However, Mr Trudeau said: “Phasing out coal-fired electricity and expanding clean power sources will create new jobs and opportunities. Eliminating smog caused by coal power generation will also reduce health impacts.”

The Canadian PM has unveiled a series of environmental measures in recent months, including a minimum price on carbon and expanded funding for marine protection.

Mr Trudeau also faces deadlines to decide on three pipeline projects over the next few months.