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The federal strategy, released yesterday in Toronto, still relies on emissions intensity targets that allow actual greenhouse pollution to rise for several years. According to the new strategy, Canada won't meet its Kyoto targets until 2025 - 13 years too late.
"Calling this plan a strategy is actually giving it far too much credit," said Dr. Suzuki. "It's a sham, and a complete abdication of our international commitment."
Dr. Suzuki pointed out that according to recent polls, the majority of Canadians still support the Kyoto Protocol and don't believe that meeting its targets would put an undue burden on the economy. He also recently completed a 40-city national tour that generated more than 30,000 votes in favour of Kyoto.
"By abandoning Kyoto, Prime Minister Harper is dragging Canada's name through the mud," Dr. Suzuki said. "He's thumbing his nose at all the countries that are well on their way to meeting their targets and at the majority of Canadians who want to do the right thing."
According to Dr. Suzuki, Bill C-30, the Conservatives original Clean Air Act, has gone through an extensive multi-party revision and is now a much more comprehensive and robust plan to fight the growing threat of global warming.
"We're not asking for a perfect plan, no one is," said Dr. Suzuki. "We're just asking for a plan that is fair and balanced and will actually stop Canada from being an international embarrassment on this issue. Bill C-30 isn't perfect, but it's now an honest attempt to address the problem."
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Media contact:
Dale Marshall
Climate Change Policy Analyst
David Suzuki Foundation
Cell: 613-302-9913
Dominic Ali
Communications Specialist
David Suzuki Foundation
Tel: 604-732-4228 x.246