Mr. Speaker, on March 27 the Federation of Canadian Municipalities announced the establishment of a 20 per cent club of Canadian municipalities taking action on climate change. The announcement took place in Berlin just prior to the conference of the parties to the framework convention on climate change.
Canadian cities have emerged as leaders in responding to the challenge of climate change. As founding members of the 20 per cent club, they have all committed to significantly reducing emissions of the gases that cause climate change by amounts in the order of 20 per cent.
In Berlin they will challenge other municipalities around the world to follow the Canadian example and join them in efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to the global benefits that can result from municipal actions, each member of the 20 per cent club is realizing significant economic benefit from increased energy efficiency and improved health for its citizens through reductions in local air pollution.
In joining together, members agree to share information, monitor progress and celebrate results on actions which they are taking.
Founding members of the 20 per cent club include the cities of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Regina-