Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Addressing Climate Change (Prince Edward Island)
Between
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Natural Resources,
hereinafter called "Canada",
of the First Part, and
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN in Right of Prince Edward Island as represented by the Premier and Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Minister of Environment and Energy,
hereinafter called "Prince Edward Island",
of the Second Part,
hereinafter called "the Parties".
Preamble
Whereas,
The Parties recognize that climate change represents a global environmental and socio-economic issue of unprecedented scope, and that they are key players in this issue;
Canada is a party to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and ratified the Kyoto Protocol on December 17, 2002;
The Parties recognize that given the global nature of climate change, an unprecedented diversity of policies and measures will have to be implemented by all orders of governments;
On November 21, 2002, Canada announced the Climate Change Plan for Canada;
Prince Edward Island is developing a Climate Change Plan;
The Parties recognize the need to coordinate their respective efforts in developing and implementing policies and measures designed to address climate change;
Canada recognizes the efforts of Prince Edward Island to meet its specific needs in addressing climate change; and
The Parties acknowledge the jurisdictional authorities of each of the Parties.
Strategic Objectives and General Framework for Cooperation
The Parties agree to:
- pursue cooperation on addressing climate change within the context of sustainable development;
- identify priority areas of cooperation to build partnerships to achieve cost-effective emission reductions;
- consider opportunities for an Atlantic Canada regional approach to addressing climate change;
- ensure consistency among their respective actions and initiatives to avoid duplication and to maximize synergies;
- coordinate the efforts of all their departments involved in addressing climate change; and
- pursue cooperation through new initiatives as well as building on existing initiatives.
To meet the above strategic objectives, the Parties agree to further coordinate and harmonize their efforts on policies and measures to:
- reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions;
- promote the development, demonstration and deployment of technologies addressing climate change;
- transfer information, experience and technology;
- enhance carbon sinks, their measurement and monitoring;
- establish effective monitoring, reporting and review mechanisms for emissions reductions and carbon sinks enhancement;
- increase public awareness and education to promote actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
- improve knowledge of the impacts of climate change and approaches to adaptation to climate change; and
- capitalize on opportunities for cost-effective economic development and job creation related to climate change.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
The Parties agree to explore cooperation in the following priority areas:
- increasing use of renewable energy, including developing applications for wind energy and wind energy technologies;
- developing, demonstrating and deploying technologies related to hydrogen energy systems;
- sharing, promoting and implementing energy efficiency practices;
- promoting individual actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
- further assessing the impacts of climate change and developing adaptation strategies; and
- maximizing reductions and removals of greenhouse gases in the agricultural sector.
The Parties agree that Annexes may be developed outlining the nature and scope of the cooperation in relation to the above-mentioned priority areas.
The Parties will identify the initiatives they would like to pursue on a bilateral basis and others in which it would be preferable to ask other jurisdictions to participate.
Funding for specific initiatives will be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration programs and priorities of the Parties.
Priority areas may be amended over time by mutual agreement of the Parties.
In addition to the above-mentioned priority areas, the Parties recognize that infrastructure investments will play an important role in addressing climate change, and shall be taken into consideration in the development of cooperative activities.
Management of Memorandum of Understanding
Program experts from the Parties will explore the above-mentioned priority areas of cooperation and develop, as required, draft annexes to this Memorandum of Understanding. Senior representatives of the Parties will examine the contents of these draft annexes and will agree on their final form, as required.
Representatives of the Parties will meet on a regular basis, at least once a year, to review progress.
Communication
The Parties agree to consider joint communication, where appropriate.
Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended with the mutual written consent of both Parties. Any amendment becomes part of this Memorandum of Understanding.
Language of Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding is made in the English and French languages, and each version is equally valid.
Settlement of Disputes
Any disputes regarding the interpretation or implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will be resolved only by consultation among the Parties and will not be referred to a tribunal or other third party for settlement.
Duration of Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding will come into effect on October 30, 2003 and remain in force for a period of five years until October 30, 2008. Prior to the termination of this Memorandum of Understanding, a decision will be made as to whether to renew this Memorandum of Understanding.
Either Party can terminate this Memorandum of Understanding with 90 days' notice. Best efforts to resolve issues are to be made by the Parties within this 90-day period.
SIGNED at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island this 7th day of November, 2003.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the Parties have signed this Memorandum of Understanding.
FOR CANADA |
FOR PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND |
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