NDP calls for action against climate change

OTTAWA — With a week to go before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, Official Opposition Environment critics, Megan Leslie (Halifax) and Laurin Liu (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles) were joined by several young Quebec MPs urging the government to take action to combat climate change on behalf of future generations.

“It’s a question of intergenerational equity. We must leave a healthy planet for our children. This begins with action from the government, otherwise the cost of climate change in Canada could reach $5 billion per year in 2020,” said Megan Leslie.

The New Democrat MPs pointed to the Conservatives’ potentially catastrophic approach on environmental issues. “Under this government, Canada has acquired the reputation of being a laggard on taking action to counter climate change, which is damaging our country’s reputation on international scale,” added Laurin Liu.

The NDP already tabled the Climate Change Accountability Act, which adopts a scientific targeted reduction of 80% of GHG emissions by 2050 based on 1990 levels. Many young New Democrat MPs seconded the tabling of this bill. They felt the emergency to act, as climate change is one of the major issues facing their generation. “This is the kind of leadership that's needed in the fight against climate change. New Democrats believe we must take action now for the benefit of future generations,” concluded Leslie.