Minister's Message on “Responding to Climate Change”

On February 16, 2005, the world celebrated the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol.  It is not a coincidence that on that same day Canada announced that it would be hosting the next United Nations Climate Change Conference in Montréal. 

We take our responsibilities very seriously as the world gathers to advance the most urgent environmental challenge today – climate change – an issue that leaders around the world are asked to addressed.  This event presents a unique opportunity to formalize the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, strengthen its operations, and to begin to set the direction for long-term multilateral action built on a sense of common purpose.

Montréal 2005: United Nations Climate Change Conference will be one of the largest international meetings ever held in Canada.  Over 7,000 delegates and observers from 189 countries, as well as over 1,000 journalists, are expected from November 28 to December 9 of this year.  Montréallers are looking forward to welcoming the world and showing their best. 

Montréal 2005 will also assemble a large number of representatives from the environmental community, business, the scientific community, and people interested in action on climate change. They will participate in a series of dynamic parallel events called “A World of Solutions” designed to share perspectives, provide information, and promote business related to climate change.

Canadians have long taken pride in the country’s efforts to be a positive influence in the world, of its history of bringing people together, of bridging gaps and of establishing grounds for accord.  This same spirit is now motivating us as we work diligently to ensure the success of the United Nations Climate Change Conference.  Montréal 2005 comes at a critical time - a time where the sustainability of our planet depends on collaboration and coordinated global action.

My hope is that it will open a new chapter in the international dialogue on the Kyoto Protocol and lay the foundation for effective, more inclusive, long-term international action to reduce the causes of climate change. 

I feel that we are now at a turning point in the long process to focus the world on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past months I have met hundreds of people from all over the world and from every region of Canada .  People from every sector and every age group ask me how they can get involved and partake in this new economy where sustainability and economic prosperity are indivisible.  They see that this effort needs to be global in nature and must include governments, business and individuals.  And they want to get involved.

Canada is delighted to be hosting Montréal 2005: United Nations Climate Change Conference.  I look forward to welcoming you to Montréal.

Stéphane Dion
Minister of the Environment