VANCOUVER — Matt Horne, director of the Pembina Institute’s climate change program, made the following comments in response to the Commissioner on Environment and Sustainable Development’s audit of federal climate change policy:
“The Environment Commissioner has made it clear that the government does not have a plan to follow through on its climate change commitments. While some policies have been implemented, they are overwhelmed by gaps in action and accountability.
“Even if promised regulations see the light of day, they are unlikely to be sufficient given the time required to develop them. If the government is going to keep its promises to Canadians, and to the world, it needs to complement its regulations with more flexible and nimble policies.
"What's most disappointing is the fact that the solutions to these shortcomings are readily available. Effective policy can be implemented rapidly and there are ample examples to draw from and build upon — including some from Canadian provinces. The problem continues to be that the federal government seems wholly disinterested in implementing those solutions.”
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Read the 2012 Spring Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Contact:
Matt Horne
Director, Climate Change program
Cell: 778.235.1476
Kevin Sauve
Communications lead
Cell: 604.354.2628