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Canada Railway Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations (GHGRP)

Canada Railway Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations (GHGRP): Canada’s Railway Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations mandate annual reporting of emissions from railway operations

Maílis Carrilho
Written by Maílis Carrilho
Updated on December 15th, 2025

Summary

The Railway Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulations require railway companies operating in Canada to measure and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually as part of Canada’s federal Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Under CEPA, the federal government periodically publishes a Notice in the Canada Gazette specifying which facilities and sectors must report emissions data. Railways that meet the reporting criteria, typically facilities that emit above the federal GHG threshold, must quantify their emissions using prescribed methodologies and submit reports through the federal reporting system. The program supports national climate planning, transparency in emissions data, and contributions to Canada’s GHG inventory, informing policy and accountability efforts. Rail sector progress is also monitored through industry programs and reporting frameworks, but the statutory reporting requirement arises through the GHGRP Notice mechanism.

Details

Jurisdictions
  • Canada
Exemptions

Reporting is mandatory for railway companies that meet defined operational thresholds.

Criteria:

Reports must be submitted annually and within specified timelines.

Data must be prepared according to standardized reporting requirements.

Exceptions:

Smaller railway operators below reporting thresholds may be excluded.

The regulations focus on reporting only and do not impose emissions reduction targets or pricing obligations.

Emissions outside defined railway operations are excluded from scope.

Deep dive

2 min read
Updated Dec 15, 2025

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What’s Required

Railway companies operating in Canada must:

  • Quantify greenhouse gas emissions from railway operations using prescribed methodologies.

  • Submit annual emissions reports to the federal government.

  • Maintain supporting records and documentation for verification and enforcement.

  • Ensure data accuracy and internal controls over emissions calculations.

Important Deadlines

  • December 9, 2023: GHGRP Notice published in the Canada Gazette establishing federal reporting requirements for 2024, 2025, and 2026 emissions data.

  • June 1, 2026: Deadline for submission of 2025 GHG emissions reports under the 2023 Notice.

  • June 1, 2027: Deadline for submission of 2026 GHG emissions reports under the same Notice.

  • Ongoing: Future Canada Gazette Notices will set reporting requirements and deadlines for subsequent years (e.g., 2027+).

Current Status

  • The Regulations are in force and part of Canada’s transport emissions monitoring framework.

  • Data collected informs federal climate policy and sector-level emissions analysis.

  • The reporting regime complements, but does not replace, other transport climate measures.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to report or submission of false or misleading information can trigger enforcement actions.

  • Penalties may include fines and compliance orders under applicable federal enforcement statutes.

Examples of Known Violence

  • A national freight railway must calculate diesel fuel emissions from its locomotive fleet and submit an annual report.

  • A passenger rail operator must retain fuel consumption records supporting its emissions calculations.

Resources


Maílis Carrilho
Added by:
Maílis Carrilho
Sustainability Research Analyst
Maílis Carrilho is a Sustainability Research Analyst (Intern) at Net Zero Compare, contributing research and analysis on climate tech, carbon policies, and sustainable solutions. She supports the team in developing fact-based content and insights to help companies and readers navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
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Added on Dec 17, 2025 by Maílis Carrilho · Updated on Dec 15, 2025