Mulcair lays out plan to make COP21 a success

Canada’s progressive opposition is committed to ensuring COP21 is a success. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair was joined by NDP’s environment critic Nathan Cullen today to present the party’s expectations for the Paris conference.

“As all eyes will be turned to Paris next week, we owe the world and future generations to do better. This is about making sure that COP21 is a success because climate change is an existential threat to humanity,” said Mulcair. “As a former Environment Minister with a track record of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, I’m ready to help the new government as we go forward together.”

The new Liberal government has committed to a new approach on climate change. This means:

• setting ambitious, accountable emission reduction targets – with annual progress reports for meeting targets enshrined in law;
• committing to do our fair share internationally, including contributing to the Green Climate Fund to help less developed nations adapt to the impacts of climate change, and
• strengthening Canada’s environmental assessment processes by including climate impact assessment so new projects will not derail reduction targets.

"Canada must do better. And the NDP is ready to help," said Cullen.

“I welcome the new government's tone on climate change,” said Mulcair. “But words must be backed by a plan and real action. As the progressive opposition, New Democrats will push this government for a real plan for Canada to tackle climate change.”