By John Woodside, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Climate Minister Jonathan Wilkinson doesn’t know if he’ll continue to serve in the role just yet, but with COP26 in arm’s reach, his portfolio may be the most significant of any cabinet member.

Speaking with reporters Friday from a pre-COP meeting in Milan, Wilkinson said Canada’s focus in the lead-up to COP26 is closing the gap on the US$100 billion worth of climate financing per year rich countries promised developing ones over a decade ago at COP15.