 |
|
 
Quebec’s leadership on climate change puts federal government to shameJune 15, 2006 - OTTAWA – The Province of Quebec has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle climate change that could serve as a model for other provinces and the federal government, said the David Suzuki Foundation. “This plan shows real leadership,” said Dale Marshall, a climate change policy analyst with the David Suzuki Foundation. “Prime Minister Stephen Harper would do well to follow Quebec’s lead.” Earlier today, Quebec Premier Jean Charest released the details of the province’s new climate change plan. The plan calls for Quebec to cut its emissions 1.5 per cent below 1990 levels. Some of the measures outlined in the document include: creating a new building code by 2008 to improve energy efficiency by up to 25 per cent; regulating vehicle fuel efficiency to California standards; and generating funds for transit and projects to cut greenhouse gases by creating a levy on bulk sales of oil. The plan, however, also includes the construction of several large hydroelectric dams that will have significant negative social and environmental impacts. “Quebec’s plan flies in the face of the federal government’s position on Kyoto,” said Mr. Marshall. “Instead of ramping up climate change programs, the federal government is shutting them down.” Canada is pushing to replace Kyoto’s mandatory targets with a voluntary plan, currently leaving the country without a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Polls show that Canadians across the country want action on climate change,” said Mr. Marshall. “Quebec is moving in the right direction. Let’s hope the federal government and other provinces follow suit.” For more information, contact: Sarah Marchildon
|
