NUSA DUA, BALI, INDONESIA,
2007 - Canada took a major step forward in
its plan to enforce tough new regulations
on industry to reduce greenhouse gas and air
pollution emissions today. The Government
announced it has formally advised industry
of new requirements to submit air emissions
data to the Government of Canada within the
next six months.
"Our Government has introduced the toughest
plan in Canadian history to clean up our air,
tackle climate change, and protect our environment,"
said Canada's Environment Minister John Baird.
"The information we are demanding from
industry is a critical step forward to develop
and move forward with our Turning the Corner
Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and
Air Pollution."
The Government of Canada has introduced tough,
mandatory regulations for industry to reduce
emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and 60 to
70 percent by 2050. Air pollution will also
be cut in half by 2015. This is the most aggressive
plan in Canadian history. The industrial sector
accounts for half of all Canadian greenhouse
gas emissions that cause climate change, as
well as half of Canada's air pollution.
"This Government is serious about tackling
climate change and protecting the air we breathe,"
said Minister Baird. "Our actions today
speak to our commitment to make a real, concrete
and measurable difference for Canadians and
our environment."
The information that industry is being ordered
to submit will be used to draft final regulations
to be published in 2008. Industrial sectors
targeted are: electricity; oil and gas; pulp
and paper; smelting and refining; iron and
steel; cement, lime, chemicals manufacturing;
and, some mining sectors. These industries
must provide information by May 31, 2008 about
their emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse
gases for the year 2006, and will be required
to do so each year thereafter until the regulations
come into force.
Minister Baird made the announcement at the
United Nations Climate Change Conference in
Indonesia. Canada has been working hard at
the conference to get all major emitters on
board to make real reductions in greenhouse
gas emissions. Canada believes in taking real
action to combat climate change but also recognizes
the need for common but differentiated targets
for the world.
The notice to industry, published in the
Canada Gazette Part I, is part of Turning
the Corner: An Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse
Gases and Air Pollution launched in April
2007.
For more information on the notice, please
visit: www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur
For more information on Turning the Corner,
please visit: www.ec.gc.ca or www.ecoaction.gc.ca
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
+ More
Canada Demonstrates Commitment to UN Clean
Development Mechanism
NUSA DUA, BALI, Indonesia ,December 13, 2007
- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird,
announced today that the Government of Canada
will contribute US $1.5 million to the Clean
Development Mechanism (CDM). This mechanism
allows the private sector earn emissions reduction
credits when investing in climate-friendly
projects in developing countries.
"Canada is once again showing the world
that it is serious about the fight against
climate change," said Minister Baird.
"This contribution will go a long way
towards strengthening this mechanism and making
it easier for all countries to be part of
global emission-reducing projects."
"This mechanism makes Canadian companies
and others more competitive by providing access
to new markets and business opportunities,
at the same time helping reduce global emissions,"
added the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister
of Foreign Affairs, from Ottawa.
The Clean Development Mechanism has been
described as a win-win because it provides
the opportunity for both developing and developed
countries to benefit. Projects funded under
this mechanism can benefit developed countries
by generating quality credits for projects
that help developing countries reduce greenhouse
gases and encourage sustainable development.
The Department of Foreign Affairs manages
the Canadian CDM office. Companies which wish
to implement emissions-reducing projects must
show that the reduction in emissions would
not have happened without the incentive provided
by emissions credits.
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
