OTTAWA – As the other federal party leaders waver on their commitments to regulate carbon emissions, Elizabeth May remains the only leader to lay out an up-to-date and sensible plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
“I am surprised that Justin Trudeau has decided he would leave it up to the provinces by suggesting that the federal government should no longer lead a national approach to deal with carbon polluters,” Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands, said. “A patchwork solution of provincial targets is an admission of defeat and a statement that we have failed our children and grandchildren.”
The Green Party is committed to establishing a national carbon-pricing system in conjunction with the provincial and territorial governments.
“We now have two federal parties that have shown no leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as both the Harper Conservatives and Trudeau’s Liberals say they are leaving it to the provinces,” Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Superior North, added. “Meanwhile, the NDP’s expensive Cap and Trade is outdated and seriously flawed, leaving the Green Party’s Carbon Fee and Dividend as the only effective and practical plan. The dividend would go directly to Canadian families, reducing carbon emissions and poverty simultaneously.”
“Thanks to the Harper Conservatives, we already have a national pipeline pollution plan. What we need now is a Canada-wide carbon pollution reduction plan to fight climate change,” Daniel Green, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, concluded. “The provinces cannot reduce carbon emissions on their own.”