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Canada fails to derail international global warming talksMay 26, 2006 - BONN, Germany – Countries attending the United Nations conference on global warming here have decided to move forward on Kyoto in spite of Canada’s attempts to weaken the process, said the David Suzuki Foundation. “Canada’s negotiators were told to delay, and even obstruct, the international negotiations,” said Dale Marshall, a Suzuki Foundation policy analyst in Bonn. “But every other country involved has unanimously decided to take the next step towards new and deeper cuts to global warming pollution despite Canada’s recalcitrance.” After domestic and international backlash over the Canadian position, the Canadian delegation allowed discussions to move forward on the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol. Canada’s position on Kyoto came under fire from Germany's environment minister, as well as the European Union environment commissioner, who said he expects Canada to live up to its Kyoto commitment. Canada has been pushing to replace Kyoto’s mandatory targets with a voluntary plan. But the Canadian government has yet to announce anything that will significantly clean the air or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, the federal government has slashed key climate change programs. The most recent casualty is the Partnership Fund, a billion dollar federal funding program intended to help provinces with climate change projects. At least five provinces already had agreements with Ottawa. “In stark contrast to Canada’s foot-dragging on this issue, most developed countries are on track to meeting their Kyoto targets,” said Mr. Marshall. “Canadians want our government to take action on global warming. The Kyoto Protocol is alive and kicking. It’s not too late for Environment Minister Ambrose to step up and take real leadership on this issue.” For more information, contact: Dale Marshall Sarah Marchildon
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