OTTAWA, Ontario, February 15, 2007 -- The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced Canada's intention to become a member of the Legislators Forum of the G8 + 5 Climate Change Dialogue. On February 14 and 15, 2007 in Washington D.C, Canadian Members of Parliament are participating in the Legislators Forum on Climate Change along with more than 80 legislators and government officials, and leaders from the private sector around the world, to generate ideas for an effective international approach to address climate change.

"Canada's New Government is pleased to join legislators, business leaders and major opinion builders from around the world to generate ideas and define a more ambitious international agenda to tackle climate change," said Minister Baird. "We must intensify our efforts to achieve concrete results around the globe on climate change."

Canadian participants to the Legislators Forum include Paul Dewar, MP, Ottawa Centre, Blaine Calkins, MP, Wetaskiwin, Bryon Wilfert, MP, Richmond Hill, Bob Mills, MP, Red Deer, and Alan Tonks, MP, York South-Weston. Their role is to actively participate in discussions with other legislators to advance international efforts to address climate change.

"I have spent years working to protect our environment and have heard the problem of climate change stated over and over by the previous government with little action," said MP Bob Mills. "It is exciting that Canada is now taking this vital step to find a shared solution to address climate change by working alongside other G8+5 countries, which together represent over two thirds of the world's greenhouse gas emissions."

The G8 + 5 Climate Change Dialogue was launched a year ago to build an international consensus amongst legislators, senior business and civil society leaders for a post 2012 climate change agreement. The Legislators Forum will address key issues such as approaches to technology transfer, market mechanisms, regulatory challenges and adaptation to climate change.

"I am delighted to welcome the contribution of the Government of Canada to the work of the Globe G8+5 Legislators' Dialogue and, in particular, the ongoing positive contribution from the Canadian legislators," stated the Right Honourable Elliot Morley, Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, President of GLOBE, and Chair of the G8+5 Climate Change Dialogue.

"Canada's New Government is taking real action both nationally and internationally to bring achievable solutions to climate change," said Minister Baird. "All levels of government, Canadians and all sectors of the economy must continue to work together to meaningfully address climate change. Discussions like the international Legislators Forum will enable Canada to share knowledge and expertise to identify further measures to address climate change at home and abroad."
Eric Richer