Ottawa — An overwhelming majority of Canadians want the federal government to pursue its plan to require industries to cut greenhouse gas emissions as part of Canada's implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. And 42 percent of Canadians want the government to require bigger industrial emission reductions than it is currently proposing. These are the leading findings of a public opinion poll commissioned by the Pembina Institute, conducted earlier this month by GlobeScan (formerly Environics International).
Legislation to set mandatory greenhouse gas emission targets for large industrial facilities, which account for nearly half of Canada's emissions, is the most important element of the federal government's climate change plan published in November 2002. Natural Resources Canada officials have spent the past two years consulting with industry and developing the details (1) of this legislation which now awaits a decision by the Liberal Government. If the legislation is not introduced this fall, there is a serious risk that there will not be enough time to adopt the necessary regulations by January 1, 2008, when Canada has to start meeting its Kyoto target.
"Legislation curbing large industry's emissions must be included in the forthcoming Speech from the Throne if the Martin government is serious about its prominent election promise to respect Canada's Kyoto commitment," said Dr. Matthew Bramley, Director, Climate Change at the Pembina Institute.
The poll asked 1502 Canadians whether the government's proposed target of requiring major industries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent was "too high, given the economic effects it could have on Canada's major industries," "about right," or "too low, because Canada's overall target is higher and other emitters will have to make the difference." Forty-two percent said the target was too low, 40 percent said it was about right, and only 12 percent said it was too high. The percentage saying the target was too low rose to 52% in Quebec. Even in Alberta, although there was somewhat higher support for relaxing the target, two-thirds of respondents nonetheless said the government's target was either about right or should be strengthened.
"Those who argue in favour of legislated emissions reductions for heavy industries in Canada clearly have public opinion on their side. That only 12 percent of Canadians would support a lower target underlines the extent to which Canadians expect Ottawa to require industry to make a substantial contribution to the global fight against climate change," said Eric Whan, Director of Environmental Issues Research, GlobeScan Inc. (formerly Environics International).
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Contact:
Dr. Matthew Bramley, Pembina Institute 613-235-6288 ext.26
Eric Whan, GlobeScan 416-969-3087
Notes for editors:
(1) The detailed papers produced by officials can be viewed at www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/lfeg-ggef/English/papers_en.htm
Hundreds of consultation meetings on these papers have been held with industry.
(2) The detailed polling results are available
here(25 KB, PDF).