Matthew Bramley, Director of the Pembina Institute's Climate Change Program, made the following statement in response to two opposition party initiatives on climate change passed today in the House of Commons:
"Working in collaboration, Members of Parliament from the three opposition parties showed support today for strong action on climate change. We commend them on their leadership.
"However, it's very disappointing that the governing Conservative party failed to support either of today's initiatives.
"A successful vote on the Climate Change Accountability Act (C-311), introduced by NDP MP Bruce Hyer, moved this important bill one step closer to becoming law. At the same time, Liberal MP David McGuinty introduced a motion detailing several key federal actions needed to address climate change.
"Like most Canadians, the majority of MPs are saying that Canada should be a leader in the global effort to combat climate change. It's past time for the Government of Canada to live up to that standard."
Notes: Bill C-311 would set a science-based greenhouse gas emission target for Canada and require the government to draft a plan and implement regulations to meet that target. The bill now proceeds to its final House of Commons vote, which is expected later this spring.
Today's Liberal motion calls on the Government of Canada to immediately put in place a comprehensive plan to cut our greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the motion calls for a phase out of fossil fuel subsidies and funding to support developing countries in their efforts to tackle climate change.
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The Pembina Institute is a non-partisan sustainable energy think tank.
Contact:
Matthew Bramley
Director, Climate Change
613-216-1976 x26
819-210-6115
matthewb@pembina.org