REMARKS BY PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRÉTIEN AT AN ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING THE CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN FOR CANADA

August 12, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

I have always believed that the fundamental role of government is to introduce the present to the future - to galvanize people, ideas and resources to meet new challenges and to embrace new opportunities. This forward-looking approach has characterized our government's method of dealing with national challenges. From restoring order to our public finances, to tackling child poverty, to sustaining health care and investing massively in support of innovation, research and development. And it has been our abiding guide in shaping our approach to addressing the global challenge of climate change.

Extreme weather events around the world, and here in Canada, have underscored the harsh reality of climate change. Scientists have sounded the warning. We have no choice but to act. It is our moral responsibility, it is in our enduring interest, and it is an imperative that is strongly felt by Canadians.

Our government has worked in partnership with all levels of government, industry, scientists and the ENGO community to develop a made-in-Canada approach to climate change that is fair for everyone. A Team Canada approach, one that rewards innovation, that invests in new technologies, and that gives industry, businesses, municipalities and citizens the tools they need to act.

Last fall we released our Climate Change Plan for Canada. Last December, Canadians looked on with pride as the House of Commons - by a substantial majority - endorsed the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. I am extremely proud that we have taken these steps, because it shows the responsibility taken by this generation of Canadians for the ones that will follow. We have made impressive progress, but we have more work to do. I am very pleased to be here today, in the presence of so many of our partners, to carry our important work forward with the announcement of the investment of a further $1 billion by the Government of Canada towards implementing our Climate Change Plan for Canada.

This investment was provided for in our most recent budget framework, and brings to $3.7 billion the amount we have committed so far. This new investment builds on our Team Canada approach. It has new tools to enable Canadians to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in every day life.

Our approach helps industry, businesses and municipalities with tools and partnership opportunities. Our approach builds on what has already been accomplished, like the work of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to help municipalities save energy, reduce emissions and save money, or the significant wind energy projects that have been initiated by several provinces, or the progress leading companies are making towards reducing emissions. Our Climate Change Plan bolsters R&D in the long term, and strengthens efforts to apply existing technologies in the short term. It sets out strong commitments on reducing emissions from government operations, with clear new rules on vehicles, buildings and procurement.

Thanks to the creativity and persistence of our Caucus, $100 million is dedicated to support grain-based ethanol now, and to cellulose-based ethanol as the technology develops. This will enable governments to consider - in the future - a mandated bio-fuel content in all gasoline sold in Canada.

To keep Canada on the cutting edge of climate change research and discussion we are asking the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy to study and inform Canadians on the potential for future emissions reductions, and the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences to report to Canadians on the science of climate change. The Government of Canada will continue to use our infrastructure investments to help build projects that are energy efficient and contribute to emissions reductions.

Introducing the future to the present: that is the essence of good government. It is the hallmark of this Engineering Building: it is functional, super energy efficient, and by dramatically reducing energy costs this building will save money even while it is helping to save the environment. Just imagine the new ideas that will be developed by the young minds that pass through these doors. It is a wise investment in a brighter future, just like our Climate Change Plan for Canada. My congratulations to everyone who has made today possible.

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