Remarks from the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change about the government motion to remain committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement

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June 6, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario

Mr. Speaker,

It’s a privilege to rise here today to address the honourable members—and indeed, all Canadians—to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Paris Agreement.

Today—after decades of warning—the effects of climate change are no longer a distant threat. Across our own country, we see its impacts seared on the landscape.

• In the boreal forest, wildfires rage longer and harsher than ever before.
• In the Prairies, droughts and floods occur with greater frequency and with more devastating effects.
• In the Arctic, sea ice is thinning at alarming rates, altering the land where Inuit have hunted for millennia.
• And from coast to coast to coast, the threat of sea-level rise is very real and potentially catastrophic.

Mr. Speaker, these are great challenges we face—and we see them happening around the world.

But by tackling them now—by lowering our emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy—we can take hold of a tremendous opportunity.

It’s an opportunity to not only prevent the worst impacts of climate change, but to spark innovations in technology, strengthen our economy, and create good-paying jobs for Canadians, in the clean-growth century.

But Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear: As temperatures rise and the environmental crisis advances—inaction and indifference are no longer an option.

The previous government did not take climate change seriously. It created targets with no intention to meet them. And it refused to back them up with tangible plans.

But Canadians expect us to act on climate change. And that is what we have been doing since we formed government.

In Paris, almost two years ago, the world—and Canada—decided to take hold of an enormous opportunity.

After long nights and difficult negotiations, 196 countries came together to forge an historic agreement, that

• will limit the rise of global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius—and strive to keep it below 1.5 degrees
• will reduce carbon emissions through the actions taken by each individual country
• will protect vulnerable nations from the worst impacts of climate change
• and will support clean economic growth by unlocking the potential of the market

Mr. Speaker, we can be proud that Canada played a major role in the Paris Agreement.

In the end, our work was instrumental during the negotiations. We advocated for Indigenous rights and Indigenous traditional knowledge; we acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on women; and we recognized the importance of market mechanisms to reduce carbon pollution.

Our delegation not only included mayors, premiers, labour, youth, and business and Indigenous leaders from across the country, it included members of the opposition. And together, our delegation worked passionately to bring consensus and push for stronger measures.

And ultimately, we were successful.

Mr. Speaker, not only will the Paris Agreement help us avoid the worst impacts of climate change, it will usher in economic opportunities of an unprecedented scale in the clean-growth century.

A recent report from the International Energy Association found that the Paris Agreement would boost the global economy by $19 trillion over the next three decades—as the world moves towards renewable energy, zero-emissions transportation, and increased energy efficiency.

Already we are seeing seismic shifts.

• In 2013—for the first time—the world added more low-carbon electricity capacity than fossil-fuel capacity.
• Two years later, close to a third of US$1 trillion was invested globally in renewable power—almost double the amount invested in power from fossil fuels.
• And today, nearly 10 million people around the world are employed in the renewable-energy sector—with more jobs being created every day.

Mr. Speaker, this energy transition is unprecedented, and, around the world, countries are taking hold of the growing opportunities.

• In China, two wind turbines are erected every hour of every day. And in 2016, they added roughly enough solar panels to cover three soccer fields every hour.
• Just last month—over the course of an hour—renewable energy supplied nearly all of Germany’s power demand for the first time.
• And in the U.S., the solar and wind industries are creating jobs 12 times faster than the rest of the economy. In fact, the U.S. has twice as many solar jobs as coal jobs.

A decade ago, these remarkable achievements would have seemed impossible.

But technological innovations, market demand, and a desire to leave future generations with a cleaner planet—have together sparked an energy revolution.

These are the innovative actions and bold solutions our generation demands.

For too long—in Canada and elsewhere—cynics worked hard to stall action on climate change.  

Some have failed to see the enormous opportunity before us, and others simply don’t believe climate change exists.

But the time for inaction is over. Today, the Paris Agreement is a testament to collaboration across borders—from countries, cities, and businesses working towards a common cause.

Just recently, a group of 1100 companies—with a combined worth of over $3 trillion—reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement.

In a public letter, companies like Walmart, Google, and Nike said the right climate actions now will create jobs and boost economic competitiveness.              

What’s more, many companies are walking the talk.

The private sector accounts for close to half of the world’s electricity consumption, and some of the world’s largest companies are stepping up and making dramatic changes.

Walmart is committed to run their facilities from 100 percent renewable energy—and so are Google, Coca Cola and Starbucks. They are all part of the RE100—a group of major companies working to procure their power from renewables.

Cities, too, are taking the lead.

Half the world’s population lives in cities, and they produce 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

They are also being hit hard by the impacts of climate change.

In Canada—by 2020—cities could be hit with $5 billion a year in costs from extreme weather events—and by 2050, that number will rise to a striking $43 billion a year.

So many are taking independent action to mitigate these effects.

In Canada, Vancouver has committed to cut emissions by at least 80 percent below 2007 levels, before 2050.

And they have joined Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Edmonton, and 18 other Canadian cities in the Compact of Mayors. With over 7000 members around the world—this group commits cities to taking tangible actions to reduce emissions.

New York, Seoul, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong are just a few of the larger cities that have also committed to drastic cuts in carbon emissions.

Both a businessman and the former mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg put it this way: “Cities, businesses, and citizens will continue reducing emissions because they have concluded that doing so is in their own self-interest.”

Now, I quickly learned in this job that the topic of climate change can raise strong views and emotions.

There are some who want to transition from fossil fuels overnight. And nothing the Government does will ever be fast enough.

While others pretend we can continue burning fossil fuels until they run out. In their view, any climate action is wrongheaded.

You can just read my Twitter feed and watch these views battle it out.

However, I've learned that the majority of Canadians understand that Canada—and the world—is transitioning to cleaner forms of energy.

They understand this transition will not happen overnight.

They understand that oil and natural gas are essential bridges to the low-carbon economy.

And they want to ensure that their family and all Canadians benefit from this transition.

In Canada, the shift to a cleaner future is already underway.

And it's not only reducing carbon pollution—it's fostering innovations, strengthening our economy, and creating the jobs of the future.

In my travels across this country, I have seen many companies that embody innovation and entrepreneurship.

They are the scientists, engineers, and inventors who are catalyzing the future economy.

In Burnaby, B.C., General Fusion is developing a process that could unleash the energy potential of fusion—to power our cities and communities.

In Calgary, Carbon Engineering has created a technology to capture carbon from the air and use it to produce fuels.

Bill Gates is their biggest private investor, and the company is also a finalist for the $25 million Virgin Earth Prize.

While in Edmonton, I visited a manufacturing facility that makes net-zero homes that look like any suburban home.

The company—Landmark Homes—employs over 300 people, uses energy-efficient materials, and puts solar-panel roofs on their houses.

I met a family who lives in one of these homes. And instead of paying hydro bills, they earn revenue from selling electricity.

Alberta is also home to the Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance—which, through collaboration and the sharing of technologies among companies—is creating cleaner air, bigger efficiencies, and better protected lands.                                                                                                  

Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector is also doing remarkable work. They’re using new GPS tracking technologies for farm machinery, improving low-till farming methods, and their crop innovations are decreasing fuel use, lowering carbon emissions, and improving soil quality for future generations.

Canadian companies are helping to drive innovation in the clean-growth economy.

In Winnipeg, I visited a factory last year that makes electric buses. They’re incredible. They run smoothly and quietly, with zero emissions. And the company—called New Flyer—is creating good, middle-class jobs.

Today, we can find electric buses and electric cars humming across the country, and we'll keep seeing more of them.

In Toronto, SkyPower Global exports solar power to more than 30 countries around the world—and it has new projects that could potentially power tens of millions of homes.

And in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Carbon Cure has created a cutting-edge technology. It captures carbon pollution from industry, and then uses to create stronger concrete.

By changing the way we commute, heat our homes, and run our industries—as well as the way we power our towns and cities—these companies are helping us achieve our Paris targets and are creating good-paying jobs while doing it.

Canada is quickly becoming a major competitor in the renewable-energy and clean-tech industries.

Earlier this year, 11 of Canada’s clean-tech companies were ranked within the top 100 in the world. We are punching well above our weight.

But for Canada to continue innovating—and creating good middle-class jobs in the clean-growth century—we must signal the market that we are open to investment.   

Mr. Speaker, that’s why our government has pursued pragmatic, flexible, and smart climate policies.

Canadians expect us to uphold our commitment to the Paris Agreement, our commitment to growing our economy and strengthening the middle class, and our commitment to future generations.

In fact, they told us so last year, when MPs hosted town halls across the country, from Newfoundland to Manitoba, to British Columbia and the territories. And thousands more people participated in stakeholder round tables and contributed online.

We’ve heard from Canadians young and old; from businesses and labour organizations; from scientists, from environmentalists, and from Indigenous communities.

Mr. Speaker, I think Mark Carney—the Governor of the Bank of England and a great Canadian—put it best when he said, “The more we invest with foresight, the less we will regret in hindsight.”

So with that in mind, let me reiterate our climate plan.

Canada’s climate plan will not only reduce carbon pollution but will renew our infrastructure, strengthen our transportation networks, and—through smart and strategic investments—spur innovation and opportunity in Canada’s towns and cities.

First—Mr. Speaker—we will price carbon pollution across our country.

The concept is simple: We’re pricing what we don’t want—pollution—so that we can foster the things we do want, like stronger businesses, good-paying jobs, and cleaner, healthier communities.

But there’s so much more to our climate plan:

We’re investing $21.9 billion in green infrastructure to build energy-efficient homes and offices and help families save on their energy bills.

We’re investing $20.1 billion to support urban public transit—to help reduce commute times in our cities, increase the use of clean transportation, and allow people to spend more time with their families and less time in traffic.

We’re also phasing out coal from our electricity system by 2030.

It’s the equivalent of taking 1.3 million cars off the road—significantly reducing our carbon emissions. And it will prevent more than 1000 premature deaths and save billions in health care dollars.

Mr. Speaker, our climate plan needs to help all Canadians in every area of the country.

And that’s why we’re investing $21.4 million over four years to support renewable-energy projects in Indigenous and northern communities, many of which rely on diesel for electricity and heating.

Finally, Canada is making historic investments in our rapidly growing clean-tech and clean-energy sectors.

With a $2.2 billion investment, we’re fostering clean-tech research and development, production, and export—and we’re accelerating the growth of this industry to capture an increasing share of the global market.

This is how we’re fighting climate change.

This is how we strengthen our economy and protect our environment

And this is how Canada is leading during the clean-growth century.

Mr. Speaker, it’s obviously disappointing to hear the U.S. federal government’s plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

Some suggest that as a result, we should back off from acting on climate change.

But in response, I’d say two things:

First, as the Foreign Minister put it so eloquently this morning: “Canada must set our own clear and sovereign course.”  

We must work with like-minded people and communities who share our aims.

Because that’s what Canadians expect from us when it comes to tackling climate change.

And second, I would say that in the face of the U.S. federal government’s decision, the world is even more resolved.

India, China, and France—and countries around the world—are all doubling down on their efforts to reduce carbon pollution and express their support for the Paris Agreement.

Already more than 1000 governors, mayors, and businesses have signed on to “America’s Pledge,” where they commit to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement.

I spoke with the Governor of California, Jerry Brown, as well as with the Governor of the State of Washington, Jay Inslee, and they both reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against climate change.

I also know that my colleague, Minister Garneau, discussed with the Mayor of Pittsburgh the city’s commitment to reducing emissions.

The Paris Agreement is a sustainable framework.

And as we are now confronted with one of the biggest challenges the Earth has ever faced, the world’s determination is even stronger.

Now, Mr. Speaker, if the U.S. is going to step back from climate action—Canada is going to step up.

Almost a century ago, one of our greatest prime ministers—Wilfred Laurier—issued a warning to future generations.

He said that, “It’s often the mistake of nations that they do not apprehend fully the necessities of the situation. They fail in boldness.”

Today, our world is at a turning point. Climate change represents both the greatest challenge of our time as well as the greatest opportunity.

So I want to assure you: We will face this challenge. We will take hold of these opportunities. And Canada will not fail to be bold.

As we meet here today to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, let’s not forget this is also a commitment to our children and grandchildren.

As a mother of three young children, Madeleine, Isabelle, and Cormac, I often ask myself what the world will look like when they’re my age.

And while I don’t have the answer to that—I do know that if we work hard and make the right the decisions, we will leave our children and grandchildren a better world—one with a strong, diverse, and clean economy; with healthy and dynamic communities; and with pristine mountains and lakes.

That’s what they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, my friend Elder Courchesne from the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba put it this way:

“At the end of your life you’ll be asked, ‘Did you take care of the garden?’”

Today, we have an opportunity to make a real difference, to take care of the garden that we all share.

I hope that all members will be voting in favour of tonight's motion supporting the Paris Agreement.

Thank you.