Statement by Megan Leslie on Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol

When the Kyoto Protocol came into force, Canadians were proud to be united with nearly 200 countries in support of this treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.

Unfortunately, one year ago today, Canada became the first signatory to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol. This announcement takes effect today.

While the rest of the world is moving forward in the fight against climate change, Canada is falling behind. We are leaving a huge ecological, economic and social debt to future generations.

New Democrats are more determined than ever to fight against the Conservatives’ disastrous attacks on the environment. We want to make our country a leader in the green energy economy.

Today, we have nothing to celebrate. Let us work together to replace the Conservatives in 2015 and build a fairer, greener and more prosperous country.