December 15, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Environment Canada
Minister Leona Aglukkaq has concluded a successful week-long visit to Lima, Peru, where she led Canada’s delegation to the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP 20) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from December 9 to 12, 2014.
During the high-level segment, Minister Aglukkaq delivered Canada’s national statement, reiterating Canada’s commitment to the development of a fair and effective international agreement that includes meaningful and transparent commitments from all major emitters. The Minister also highlighted Canada’s strong domestic action and investments in adaptation, and reiterated our strong interest in a global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the world’s most potent and fastest-growing greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Minister also highlighted Canada’s recent pledge to the Green Climate Fund.
While in Lima, Minister Aglukkaq met with colleagues from Mexico, Australia, China, Switzerland, the European Union, France, and the United States, as well as key international organizations including the World Bank Group. In a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, Minister Aglukkaq emphasized Canada’s commitment to an international agreement that contains meaningful commitments from all major emitters. The Minister also highlighted the significant progress being made in international forums such as the Arctic Council and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition on developing initiatives to reduce GHG emissions and short-lived climate pollutants.
Minister Aglukkaq also met with provincial and territorial ministers who were part of Canada’s delegation to COP 20. Canada is committed to meaningful collaboration with the provinces and territories as we all work towards defining the country’s intended nationally determined contributions. The actions of all Canadian jurisdictions play an important part in Canada’s progress to reduce the country’s overall GHG emissions and they are an important part of the effort for a new international post-2020 climate change agreement.
Minister Aglukkaq also hosted an event to profile Canadian leadership on the incorporation of traditional knowledge into environmental decision-making.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
Environment Canada’s Twitter page
Environment Canada’s Facebook page