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'Our image and reputation have taken a beating thanks to the Harper government's foot-dragging and stubborn refusal to change its weak emission-reduction targets.' - James Clancy.
Ottawa (18 Dec. 2009) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is disappointed that the United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen did not result in a fair, ambitious and binding agreement.
"Like most Canadians, I'm embarrassed that the Harper government played such an obstructionist role in the negotiations," says James Clancy, NUPGE national president.
Canada repeatedly blocked progress on setting tough targets, closing loopholes and committing to international financing for developing countries.
Canada distinguished itself by winning eight infamous Fossil of the Day awards over the two weeks of meetings and the grand Colossal Fossil of the Year award. The tongue-in-cheek Fossil Awards are prizes given to countries seen as blocking progress at the summit.
"Our image and reputation have taken a beating thanks to the Harper government's foot-dragging and stubborn refusal to change its weak emission-reduction targets," says Clancy.
Throughout the summit world leaders and environmental groups pointed out that since 2007, under the Harper government's leadership, Canada's emissions have soared 34% above its Kyoto target, mainly due to tar sands development.
No intention of acting seriously
Canada's negotiating team in Copenhagen put an emissions reduction target of 3% below 1990 levels on the table – in spite of the fact that industrialized countries as a group must establish targets 25-40% below 1990 levels to remain in keeping with what the science requires.
Leaked documents now show that Canada has no intention of meeting even this proposed target, already the weakest in the industrialized world.
The Harper government has also faced extensive criticism in Copenhagen for insisting that Canada must wait for the U.S. to come out with a set of policies to which Canada must synchronize its own.
"Our official position is that 'Canada will wait for the U.S. to tell us what to do.' The prime minister has effectively told the world that it can't look to Canada for leadership and direction. That's a shame," argues Clancy.
"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Clearly, Canada has a lot of work ahead of us – both to do our part in fighting the climate crisis and to repair our damaged reputation in the international community."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE