On April 30, 2024, a late stage amendment was introduced to the omnibus Bill C-59. Known as the “greenwashing amendment,” it introduced Orwellian restrictions on the ability of businesses operating in Canada to communicate their environmental goals.

The amendment was passed under the pretext of protecting consumers from false or misleading environmental claims, especially from the oil and gas industry. In practice, it has resulted in the silencing, or “greenhushing,” of business and non-profits from dozens of sectors. It has been as bad as everyone warned it would be — and it should be repealed.