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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

July 23, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario 

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued the following statement today following the agreement reached by 180 countries to implement to Kyoto Protocol:

"With this agreement to implement the Kyoto Protocol, the world reached a milestone today and showed that the United Nations system can work to the benefit of people all over the world.

Reaching this agreement demanded hard work and perseverance from all participants. But we can take great pride in the fact that in a relatively short timeframe, 180 countries were able to create a new framework to deal with global warming – a major environmental problem that has an impact on the quality of life of billions of people.

We in Canada understand the seriousness of global warming. It already has an important impact on the northern region of our country, threatening wildlife and infrastructure. We also feel its effects in the South, with the lower water levels of the Great Lakes and disruptions to our shipping routes. Because of this, Canada entered this negotiation with the firm intent to bring it to a successful conclusion. And we succeeded.

I am extremely proud of the key role Canada played in building consensus around this agreement. And I am very pleased that our balanced approach to the recognition of carbon ‘sinks’ was adopted. As a result, farmers and foresters, here and around the world, will have a strong incentive to manage their lands to the highest standards and to help fight climate change.

I am confident that the agreement reached this weekend in Bonn opens the way for Canada’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol next year, following full consultations with the provinces, the territories, stakeholders and other Canadians.

I heartily congratulate Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray, who headed the Canadian delegation to Bonn for these talks. His efforts and determination played a big role in the conclusion of this agreement – an agreement whose effects will be felt around the world for generations to come."

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