Mulcair’s climate and carbon pricing announcements

TORONTO — Erin Flanagan, analyst at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to New Democratic Party Leader Thomas Mulcair’s climate change announcement today:

“We applaud the NDP’s commitment to science-based emissions reduction targets for the medium and long term. These targets are much more ambitious than Canada’s current pledge. They would help ensure that Canada does its fair share to prevent the most dangerous impacts of climate change.

“Canada should play a renewed and more constructive role in the upcoming international climate change negotiations in Paris. We support the NDP’s plan to strengthen Canada’s delegation to these negotiations by including opposition critics and experts from civil society.

“We are also pleased to see the NDP reaffirm its commitment to put a price on carbon pollution nation-wide, with a minimum level of stringency. When designed appropriately, a carbon pricing policy — such as a cap-and-trade system — encourages businesses and individuals to make cost-effective emissions reductions, and will help Canada compete in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.”

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