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."
- 30 -
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
