Canada's NDP

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April 29th, 2013

Statement by NDP Environment Critic, Megan Leslie, on rejection of her motion

With the impacts of climate change already occurring in Canada and around the world, it is really discouraging that the Conservatives and Liberals voted against our motion recognizing the need to act quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Is it sad to see that Conservatives and Liberals continue to ignore warnings from the international scientific community, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Energy Agency and Canadians on the need for urgent action to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees.

We are very concerned that the Conservatives refuse to recognize that a 2 degree rise in temperature will lead to serious repercussions. Our motion also condemned the lack of concrete measures from the Conservative and Liberal governments in recent years in the fight against climate

Our international credibility has been eroded as a result of the Conservatives’ failures. Canada is the only country whose record on climate change has deteriorated, with Canada being the only country to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol, and recently, from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

It is imperative to take concrete measures to prevent climate change and protect our economy. Investing in green jobs, innovation and research will make Canada more competitive internationally and improve our trade prospects, while reinforcing our economy for years to come.

We must take action before it’s too late. The Conservatives’ denial of climate change and their dismantling everything that contributes to reducing it will cause irreparable damage for us, and for future generations.