December 10, 2005

Today marks a critical and important point with the world coming together in Montreal to collectively tackle climate change. I applaud the constructive engagement of all countries under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on their commitment to seek progress on an inclusive and productive way forward.

The successful conclusion of the 11th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC and the 1st Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol gives new momentum to taking action on what is clearly a significant environmental challenge for all people of the world and for future generations.

I would like to recognize the considerable efforts of the President of the Conference, the Honourable Stéphane Dion and Minister Pierre Pettigrew as Canada’s Head of Delegation, and their dedicated team whose commitment over the past nine months has led to one of the most successful and productive meetings ever on climate change.

Under Mr. Dion's leadership more than 180 countries came together to build a clear road map to implement the Kyoto Protocol, to improve the Protocol as well as the Convention, and to innovate the world's future approach to cooperation on climate change, forming the basis for the Montreal Action Plan.

As Canada's Presidency of the UNFCCC continues through 2006, we are committed to continuing to strengthen the world's resolve in addressing this important issue, while at home Canada will aggressively push forward with its own initiatives to honour its Kyoto commitments.