P.J. Partington, Climate Change Policy Analyst at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Bloc Québécois' Copenhagen motion, which is being debated today in the House of Commons:
"The Bloc's motion captures the key contributions we need to see from Canada in Copenhagen: a science-based target for 2020 and support to help poorer countries face global warming.
"Economic analysis shows that Canada can meet the target in today's motion while growing our economy by over 20 per cent by 2020, and creating nearly two million net new jobs.
"Countries can reach an ambitious and fair agreement at next month's UN climate summit in Copenhagen, but it's going to require real political will.
"Canada's Members of Parliament can contribute to a success in Copenhagen by passing this important motion. We hope that all MPs will show their support for Canadian climate leadership when this motion comes to a vote next week."
-30-
The Pembina Institute is a non-partisan sustainable energy think tank.
Contact:
P.J. Partington
Climate Change Policy Analyst
819-483-6288 x25
613-859-2220
Full text of the Bloc's motion:
November 18, 2009 - Mr. Bigras (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie) - That, in the opinion of the House, Canada should commit to propose at the Copenhagen conference on climate change:
1. reducing absolute greenhouse gas emission targets in the industrialized countries to 25% lower than 1990 levels, by 2020;
2. the necessity of limiting the rise in global temperatures to less than two degrees Celcius higher than in the preindustrial era; and
3. supporting the developing countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change.
