Canada Signs Six Bilateral Agreements on Climate Change
On December 8, 2005, the Government of Canada concluded six joint agreements on the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation with Mexico, India, Morocco, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and Ukraine.
Minister Dion and Mexico’s Minister of the Environment, Natural Resources and Ecology José Luis Luege Tamargo
The bilateral agreements provide a foundation for country-to-country project development and environmental and economic cooperation contributing to sustainable development and a cleaner environment. They are part of ongoing efforts by the Government of Canada to secure opportunities for business and industry to work cooperatively with partners to reduce the impacts of climate change and grow the economy. “Greenhouse gases do not respect borders,” said Minister Dion. “It is essential that nations work together to meet this challenge.”
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie for Canada participated in the signing. The agreements clearly signal Canada commitment to the Kyoto mechanisms and bilateral environmental cooperation with developing countries and economies in transition.
Highlights of comments made at the signings at presented below:
- Canada-Mexico Joint Statement on Climate Change: Minister Dion told Mexico’s Minister of the Environment, Natural Resources and Ecology José Luis Luege Tamargo “that (the fact) Mexico and Canada are signing the Joint Statement for cooperation on climate change today should be no surprise. We have a strong record of cooperation”. The agreement committed countries to promote CDM projects, share information and lessons learned on adaptation, explore appropriate technology deployment opportunities, and raise public awareness about the effects of climate change.
- India: The Government of Canada is providing an opportunity for Canadian organizations and companies, including Large Final Emitters and technology suppliers, to secure Certified Emissions Reduction Credits from Indian CDM projects. Minister Dion welcomed the Honourable Minister Raja, Minister of Environment and Forests, to Montreal. Minister Raja said “…. we in India value our longstanding relationship with Canada. There is tremendous potential for investors.”
Other bilateral agreements on the CDM and JI are expected in the months ahead. Yesterday, the Minister signed a bilateral agreement with Korea.
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