NDP Proposes Process for Increased Climate Change Accountability and Transparency

OTTAWA – Today, NDP MP Linda Duncan (Edmonton- Strathcona) introduced a motion calling on the federal government to enact legislation that would establish a legal process to ensure binding measures for greater transparency and accountability on Canada’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“My motion calls on the federal government to enact climate change legislation modelled on processes instituted in Great Britain, Sweden, Finland and Denmark,” said Duncan. “This would deliver deeper action and accountability than the panel of experts the Environment Minister has proposed.”

If adopted, among other things, motion M-204 would establish a Climate Advisory Committee that would advise government, undertake audits and submit to Parliament annual progress reports. M-204 would also impose a duty on the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to table in both Houses of Parliament annual reports on the government’s climate action, and to publicly respond to the Committee's annual reports within three months of receipt.

“These measures will ensure the government is made more transparent and accountable for its commitments to address climate change,” stressed Duncan. “Canadians are looking for action on climate change now. It’s up to the government on whether or not they’ll deliver.

Full text of the Motion can be found here.