Canada, U.S. say end fossil fuel subsides as COP26 draft called ‘weasel words’

OTTAWA — Canada’s environment minister says he thinks fossil fuel subsidies should be eliminated as United Nations negotiators wrestle over a final text in the closing hours of the Glasgow climate talks.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says the subsidies should be phased out with a timeline.

Guilbeault’s remarks came at his closing press conference at the climate talks, known as COP26, where a draft text addressing fossil fuels is sparking sharp criticism.

The draft calls for phasing out “unabated” coal power and “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies.