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The Climate Change Accountability Act requires that the Canadian government implement regulations and policies to attain a long-term target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Ottawa (6 May 2010) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) – along with fellow members of the Climate Action Network-Réseau action climat Canada – is pleased to celebrate historic progress in Canadian climate change policy with the passage at third reading in the House of Commons of the Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C-311).
"More than a year of pressure has brought this bill to fruition and members of the National Union now wait anxiously for a solid climate plan from the government, enabling Canada to do it's fair share on the international stage," says James Clancy, NUPGE national president.
“All three opposition parties must be congratulated for their support,” says Dale Marshall of the David Suzuki Foundation. “This reminds us that the majority of Members of Parliament, along with the majority of Canadians and provinces want stronger action on climate change."
“The Harper government has fumbled the ball on climate change," adds Dave Martin from Greenpeace Canada. "The upcoming G8 and G20 summits are an opportunity for Canada to show some leadership. The targets laid out in the act, together with money on the table to help poorer countries cope with climate change, would send a message to the world that Canada is ready to take this seriously.”
Bill C-311 passed third reading Wednesday by a vote of 149 to 136 with all opposition parties voting in favour and only the Conservatives opposed. As this historic bill now moves on to the senate for final passage, Climate Action Network Canada looks forward to working together with all parties to ensure rapid implementation of ambitious Canadian climate policy.
The Conservatives recently attained a majority of members in the Senate when five new Tory senators were appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in January. There are fears that the Conservatives may try to use their new majority to block the bill in the Senate.
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
More Information:
• Top 5 Ways to Get Government to Confront the Climate Crisis - download PDF
This leaflet describes the top five actions governments should take to meet and exceed greenhouse gas emission reductions required to deal with climate change. It encourages readers to take action by writing their municipal, provincial and federal government representatives.