Conservatives commit to emissions targets…in forty-four years

For Immediate Release

Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal Weighs In On The  Harper Government’s Green Plan

(OTTAWA)  - Sukh Dhaliwal called on the Harper government today to take immediate steps to address climate change by using existing powers already allowed for under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999). 

“This is a stunning display of smog and mirrors by the Conservative Government.  While claiming to take real action, this Government is introducing legislation that contains the same powers already allowed for under CEPA 1999.  This Government should be taking immediate steps rather then offering up irrelevant legislation as proof that they are actually doing something.  A government that is not serious about the environment will not be taken seriously by Canadians.” said Dhaliwal.

Dhaliwal was responding to the fact that the green plan comes no where close to achieving the Kyoto targets and does not even mention the Kyoto Accord. Minister Ambrose conceded today that there are no national emissions cutting targets until 2020, and that even if this legislation passes in quickly, there would be no action taken until 2010 after three years of ‘consultation.’

The larger issue, and one which Dhaliwal duly noted, was that the plan does not completely fall under federal jurisdiction and this will leave this legislation open to a potential constitutional challenge, while decreasing the scope of CEPA 1999. 

Said Dhaliwal, “I have grave concerns with the timeline, the effect this will have on CEPA, and the capacity of this legislation to withstand a constitutional challenge.  CEPA was specifically designed for pollution control. It has passed muster by the Supreme Court and can be used immediately, so what’s the hold up?”

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Contact:          
Kyle Harrietha
613-266-9859