Elizabeth May says Climate Reports Reinforce the Need for a National Climate Change Strategy

OTTAWA –October 28, 2015 – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), emphasized the importance of a national climate change strategy, after two reports on climate were released yesterday.

“The reports released by the Council of Canadian Academies and the Mowat Centre-Broadbent Institute stress the importance of a national climate change strategy, not only from an environmental perspective, but from an economic perspective as well. It is clear that we urgently need a comprehensive, science-based national climate and energy strategy to address rising sea levels, drought, and other extreme weather events,” said Ms. May.

The Council of Canadian Academies report assessed how energy sources, technology, and public policies can support a transition to a low-emission energy system. In addition, the Mowat Centre-Broadbent Institute joint report reviewed policies, including carbon pricing, that could help Canada reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

“The two reports echo the Green Party’s Platform, including introducing a Carbon Fee and Dividend Plan and reducing our reliance on fossil fuel. Our plan would place a fee on carbon, and pay the funds it generates directly to every Canadian over age 18 annually. This plan will defend our climate, diversify our energy mix, grow our economy, and ensure energy security for Canadians,” concluded Ms. May.

Claire Martin, Green Party Climate Change Critic, said that the Green Party’s Carbon Fee and Dividend Plan is the best way to shift away from fossil fuels.

“Most economists and climate scientists agree that fee and dividend is a comprehensive solution to a complicated problem. For example, B.C.’s carbon pricing plan has seen fuel use drop by 16 percent, while its GDP has outperformed the rest of Canada. This proves that carbon fees work for the environment and the economy,” concluded Ms. Martin.