OTTAWA, May 11, 2006 Environment Minister Rona
Ambrose speaking today in the House of Commons outlined measures her
department has taken and will take to deal with harmful emissions. “The
record left by the Liberal government is shameful,” said Minister
Ambrose. “For all their talk of commitment to Kyoto goals in 2004,
emissions are 35% above the Kyoto target negotiated on their watch.”
The Government is turning a new leaf on the environment with a commitment
to Canadians that money for the environment will be spent on the Canadian
environment. “Our government has already taken measures that will
deliver real environmental solutions and health benefits to Canadians,” said
Minister Ambrose.
She outlined the recent $1.7 billion investment in new cleaner transportation
to get Canadians out of their cars and into public transit. The Minister
also noted that the Government will work, in collaboration with the provinces
and territories, to move forward on a 5% average renewable content in
Canadian motor fuels. Increased use of renewable fuels will result in
real, tangible benefits to the environment and economic benefits to the
agricultural sector as well as others.
Other initiatives noted by the Minister include a review of the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act - Canada’s most important piece of
environmental policy - to find ways to strengthen it, and a commitment
to review the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement which has
not had a serious review since 1987.
“We have already done more to clean up our environment in 100
days than the Liberals did in 13 years. To reach the Kyoto targets set
by the Liberals, Canada would have to shut down every car, truck, plane
and train in Canada today," added Minister Ambrose.
Minister Ambrose outlined Canada’s submissions to the United Nations
(UN) on climate change which include:
Canada’s 2004 greenhouse gas emissions;
A realistic, results-oriented and inclusive approach to international
action on climate change;
Canada’s input for global dialogue on future international
cooperation on climate change.
“
We will change how the government deals with environmental issues. We
will be transparent and honest with Canadians on the challenges the Liberals
have left us with. And, before we engage in future commitments internationally,
we will clean up our own backyard. We are focusing on Canadian solutions
that address Canada's environment,” added the Minister.
Related Document:
Backgrounder [2006-05-11]
For further information, please contact:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
