House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 46% of the vote.
The Environment December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, we have a very strong delegation going to Indonesia. It includes three Canadian companies which are leading the way in green technology right here at home, strong leadership including gasification of garbage, carbon capture and storage, and cellulosic ethanol. We are leading the world in technology. We are sharing that, telling the world how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
The Environment December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the member is absolutely wrong. We are in Indonesia working internationally to see a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The only way that can happen is if everybody participates, everybody gets their oars in the water, everybody, especially the major emitters. The minister of the environment from Quebec said, “We believe that mandatory targets must be imposed upon everyone, and that is, countries must participate in the fight against climate change, including the United States, China and India”.
The Environment December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is absolutely right. We need to have all the major emitters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally. This government is taking the issue of climate change very serious after 13 long years of the Liberals doing nothing.
The following is a quote from Mr. Steiner, executive director of the UN environment program:
Congratulations once again for putting Canada in the ranks of those countries moving aggressively to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
The Environment December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, if we talk about the hypocrisy award of the day, that member is definitely in the running.
We heard, after 13 long years of the Liberals doing nothing, the deputy leader ask his leader “Why didn't we get it done?” Likely it is because that member was advising the Liberal leader what to do and it was a total failure.
It is this government that is getting it done for the environment.
The Environment December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows very well that this government is committed to cleaning up the environment.
After 13 long years of Liberal inaction, we now have a $1.5 billion fund to work with the provinces. We are doing that. We are working with B.C. We are working with Alberta. We are working with every province to clean up the environmental messes left by those people over there.
The Environment December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for the great question. Hopefully the Liberals are listening on how to ask questions.
Canada's principles in Indonesia are clear. We believe that any post-2012 agreement on climate change needs to include all major emitters, countries like China, India and the United States, developed or in the developing world.
The agreement must be fair and economically realistic without placing unfair burdens on any specific country. The agreement must be long term and flexible, and have a balanced approach that preserves economic growth and protects the environment. The agreement must call for real, absolute reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Shanker's Bend Hydroelectric Project December 7th, 2007
Yes, Mr. Speaker, our government is working very closely with our counterparts in the province of British Columbia and also in Washington State. Our number one priority is protecting the environment for this generation and for future generations. We are getting it done.
Shanker's Bend Hydroelectric Project December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for this question and for his meeting with the environment minister. He has also talked to me. I can assure him that we are dealing with this with our counterparts in Washington State and also in the province of B.C.
Canada takes the environment very seriously. That is why we announced the creation of a new national park on the east arm of Great Slave Lake. We announced $30 million to clean up Hamilton harbour. We announced $11 million to clean up Lake Winnipeg. We just keep getting it done.
The Environment December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the fact is global emissions do not recognize where the emissions come from. It is a global problem and we all need to do our part. Canada is doing its part.
There is a great quote from Mr. Steiner, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. He said, “The approach Canada has taken, looking at the twin benefits of reducing emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, is exactly what we need to do on a wider scale”.
This government is getting it done.
The Environment December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, that is utter nonsense. Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is a realistic plan, it is an ambitious plan. In fact, it is one of the most ambitious plans in the world: 20% by 2020. That is huge. That is 150 megatonnes, but globally it cannot be achieved. We cannot reduce greenhouse gas emissions unless all major emitters participate.
Canada is doing its part. We need all the major emitters to do their part, too.