Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, will depart for Durban, South Africa, hoping to make a difference in Canada’s position on the Kyoto protocol, or at least limit the damage. “Other countries are now taking out full page ads decrying our position on Kyoto. This is a terrible embarrassment for Canada on the world stage and if we don’t turn things around, we will be judged harshly in the future,” said May.
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The Speaker of the House denied May’s request that Parliament have an Emergency Debate on Canada’s negotiating position at the Durban conference. It has been leaked that despite participating in the negotiations, the Harper government plans to withdraw from Kyoto a few days before Christmas.
“There has been no opportunity for Parliament to discuss Canada’s negotiating position. Opposition Members will not be included in the Canadian delegation to COP17. I am going as a member of the Global Greens delegation and will pay my own way. I am saddened that I am not an official representative of my country, but I am determined to do my best,” said May.