New Democrat climate change bill passes committee

OTTAWA– The New Democrat Climate Change Accountability Act (C-311) is one step closer to becoming law today after it was returned, without amendments, to the House by the Environment committee.

“We’ve been building support for this bill for four years,” said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton. “I am delighted with the work of my caucus colleagues on this legislation. Their persistence has paid off. We’re one step closer to hard emissions targets for Canada.”

A final vote on Bill C-311, expected in the New Year, will commit the federal government to achieving science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, and make it accountable through reports to Parliament on actions taken to meet the targets.

“I would hope that members from all parties realize that the time for delaying on climate change is over and that past inaction is no longer an excuse” said Layton.