Conservative Environment Minister missing-in-action at climate summit

NDP Environment critic Megan Leslie (Halifax) made the following statement at the Climate Summit of the Americas:

"I was dismayed to see that Canada’s Environment Minister, Leona Aglukkaq, refused to attend the Climate Summit of the Americas. Sadly, Minister Aglukkaq’s absence is not surprising given the Conservatives’ longstanding contempt for fighting climate change.

“From withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol to weakening greenhouse gas emissions targets to delaying oil and gas regulations; it’s clear that Stephen Harper’s approach to climate change is a complete failure and has left Canada with a tattered international reputation.

“Canadians can trust Tom Mulcair’s NDP to fix the damage done by Stephen Harper’s Conservatives. Only New Democrats take the threat of climate change seriously. Canadians can trust an NDP government to protect the environment and grow the economy. Together we will build a fairer, greener and more prosperous Canada.”