NUSA DUA, BALI, INDONESIA, December 10, 2007 -- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, took action today at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Indonesia. Canada will invest $85.9 million over four years to help Canadians respond to climate change. Minister Baird was joined at the announcement by Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and one of Canada's Eminent Advisors to the Minister."Canada is leading by example and stepping up its fight against climate change by taking concrete steps to help Canadians adapt to our changing climate," said Minister Baird. "With our Turning the Corner Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution, Canada started taking real action on climate change. However, the science is clear. Even the most ambitious efforts on fighting climate change cannot prevent the warming that is expected to continue in the short term. That's why we're providing support to address this challenge head on."Canada will spend:$15 million for research to improve climate change scenarios;$14 million for a program to assist Northerners in assessing key vulnerabilities and opportunities for adaptation;$7 million for climate change and health adaptation in northern / Inuit communities;$14.9 million to develop a pilot climate and infectious disease alert and response system to protect the health of Canadians from the impacts associated with a changing climate; and$35 million for risk management tools for adaptation and to support the development and implementation of regional programs."Canadians want action now on climate change -- and that's exactly what we're doing," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "My department is using its recognized expertise in adaptation and resource management to create tools and methodologies that will help address the impacts of climate change.""No region may be more affected by climate change than Canada's Arctic, however, effective solutions must involve all regions of the country", said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor on Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Tremendous opportunities await those who design and implement effective ways to combat climate change. Canada, rich in innovative talent and scientific and engineering expertise, is well placed to develop these solutions.""Our Government is keenly aware of the important link between health and the environment, and as Health Minister I see today's funding announcements as very positive news for Canadians concerned about the health effects of the air they breathe and the water they drink,"said Minister of Health Tony Clement. "Additionally, the new infectious disease alert and response system will enable us to monitor and act quickly particularly in vulnerable areas such as Canada's north." Related Document:Canada's Government Taking Action on Adaptation and Climate Change Issues [Backgrounder, 2007-12-10]For more information, please contact:Eric RicherPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of the Environment(819) 997-1441In Indonesia: 085857032508Environment CanadaMedia Relations(819) 934-80081-888-908-8008In Indonesia: Gregory Jack085857032502
