Madam Speaker, I would like to start by acknowledging the party leaders, the provincial and territorial leaders, the indigenous leaders, and members of Canadian civil society who came together from across the country and participated constructively in the negotiations in Paris just a few short months ago.
Our government very intentionally adopted an inclusive approach to these important negotiations in order to send a clear message to the international community: one, that Canada takes the threat of climate change very seriously, and two, that climate change should very much be a non-partisan issue.
As the hon. member, I too am very proud of the leadership role that Canada, its Prime Minister, its Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and its entire delegation, played in Paris.
Maintaining the momentum established in Paris has been, and will continue to be, very important. A key first step in this regard will be to ensure that the Paris agreement is brought into force as soon as possible. As the member opposite is aware and as she acknowledged, the Prime Minister signed the Paris agreement on behalf of Canada at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on April 22.
Domestically, what is most important now is how Canada works to develop and implement specific policies to address greenhouse gas emissions and clean growth. This government takes the commitments made in Paris very seriously. We are presently working on a detailed strategy that will enable us to ensure that we meet or exceed our currently stated target.
Given the decade of complete inaction on climate change that we experienced under the previous government, Canada has made virtually no progress over the past decade with regard to addressing greenhouse gas emissions.
In fact, if one looks at Canada's projected emissions profile in 2030, taking into account actions taken at provincial and municipal levels to date, we are projected to have emissions of approximately 9% above 2005 levels by 2030, versus the current target of 30% below 2005 levels.
Given the lack of progress in the 10 years since the previous Conservative government established the 30% below 2005 target, this target now represents a highly ambitious goal.
In terms of a climate plan for Canada, as the hon. member is aware, the Prime Minister met with premiers from the provinces and territories to discuss climate change and what Canada must do to achieve its target.
The Vancouver declaration established a framework for the development of a detailed plan as to how Canada will begin the transition to a stronger, more resilient, low-carbon economy. As first ministers agreed at that time, we will promote clean and innovative economic growth that creates jobs for Canadians; we will ensure that carbon pricing exists; and we will invest in both adaptation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. First ministers will meet this fall to finalize that plan.
We have also taken action with the Americans on a number of fronts, specifically with respect to reducing methane emissions to 40% below 2012 levels by 2025.
Canadians recognize the enormous strides that have been taken on this file over the past number of years. In my mind we have a moral imperative to get this right for our children and our grandchildren. We also have an economic imperative to get this right to ensure a strong and robust Canadian economy continues to thrive as we move toward a lower carbon future.
I am proud to be part of a government that is demonstrating strong leadership, globally and domestically. I am also pleased to be part of a government that is desirous of engaging Canadians of all political stripes in this important conversation.
I know that the hon. member opposite cares deeply about this issue, as do I, and that she has many thoughtful things to say regarding these issues. I look forward to working with her to ensure that we are collectively successful on this very important file.