Jack Layton and the New Democrats will:

Implement Jack Layton's legislation to achieve deep, science-based reductions of climate pollution in the post 2012 period. The Climate Change Accountability Act, proposed by the New Democrats and adopted by Parliament on June 4, 2008, is based on the Case for Deep Reductions report by the Pembina Institute, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. This will establish:

• A long-term target to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
• A medium-term target to bring emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2020.

These are the medium and long-term targets consistent with the Kyoto process.

To hold government accountable for meeting these targets, Jack Layton's legislation will:

• Provide authority for the government to make regulations in order to meet the targets and set penalties for those who contravene regulations passed under the Act.

Implement our clean air and fighting climate change program:

• Make big polluters pay. We will put a price on carbon through a "cap-and-trade" carbon pricing system which establishes hard limits on pollution and a tough charge on polluters who exceed the limits.
• All revenue will be applied to environmental solutions.
• Implement Jack Layton's $3 billion Green-Collar Jobs Plan, including a fund for training. We will invest $750 million into this fund every year.
• Introduce an environmental automobile strategy to:
  • Invest in Canadian production of low-emission cars to ensure our auto industry remains viable, with aggressive incentives for manufacturers who develop and manufacture cars in Canada with low or zero greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Provide federal government support for pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths in communities as part of our commitment to sustainable transport. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will have health benefits for Canadians who choose to walk or cycle.
  • Bring in mandatory vehicle emission standards for all vehicles sold in Canada, based on leading North American standards.

Establish an industry innovation fund to help businesses reduce their energy use. The fund will start with $600 million, and we will invest additional funds after that.

A crucial part of reducing pollution and fighting global warming must be substantial new investments in renewable energy solutions. We need to unite the country behind a strategy for Canada's long-term energy security. We will implement a comprehensive New Energy Economy Strategy. It will be developed through consultation and a cooperative effort of all stakeholders from coast to coast to coast.

Require vehicle fuel consumption labeling so consumers have better information about every vehicle's environmental performance and efficiency savings.

Reduce pollution through an Early Adopters Program that encourages the purchase of commercial electric hybrid vehicles.

Set leading air quality standards for each air pollutant defined in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and establish new energy efficiency regulations.

Invest in environmental solutions and incentives to encourage individual Canadians and small businesses to make better choices for the environment, and to reward them when they do. These solutions will include the Better Buildings Retrofit and Energy Efficiency Initiative.

Introduce new energy efficiency regulations on energy-using products, such as major appliances and furnaces, that meet or better the most stringent standards in North America.

Establish substantial new point-of-sale rebates on the purchase of EnergyStar appliances.

Invest stable, annual transit funding, combining an extra cent from the existing gas tax with revenue from making big polluters pay, investing $4 billion in transit over the first four years of our program.

Halt any new tar sands development until carbon emissions are capped, significant environmental and health impacts are addressed, and protected areas are set aside.

Introduce Canada Environment Action Bonds, a secure new investment that Canadians can purchase to help fight climate change by raising capital for environmentally-friendly infrastructure and renewable energy.

• The bond will offer a government-guaranteed rate of return.
• As the price of climate pollution increases, these bonds will close the price gap so that the development of renewable energy is price competitive with the development of fossil fuel resources.

Give the Environment Minister the authority to designate "significant areas" such as more heavily-polluting areas or more sensitive areas for specialized information-gathering and targeted action.

Take more poisons out of people's homes, consumer products and communities by recognizing the "toxic use substitution principle." We will require the Minister to assess and identify toxic substances that can and should be substituted with safer products.

Ensure that the federal government and its agencies lead by example in their own environmental practices, including emission reductions, product purchases, recycling, and sustainable development strategies.