Speeches from the Throne

As illustrated in the following excerpts, the Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to act on climate change in recent Speeches from the Throne:

Speech From the Throne February 2, 2004.

The Government of Canada will respect its commitments to the Kyoto accord on climate change in a way that produces long-term and enduring results while maintaining a strong and growing economy.

The Government will engage Canadians directly. The One-Tonne Challenge aims to raise awareness and provide Canadians with information on how their individual consumption choices contribute to the emissions that drive climate change. The objective - the challenge - is to reduce emissions by 1,000 kilograms per person, per year.

Speech From the Throne September 30, 2002.

As part of the Kyoto Protocol, Canada agreed to obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2012. Extensive consultations and preparatory work followed. The government is now intensifying consultations with Canadians, industry and provinces to develop an implementation strategy to meet Canada's obligations over the next ten years. Before the end of this year, the government will bring forward a resolution to Parliament on the issue of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. Meeting this challenge must become a national project, calling upon the efforts and contributions of all Canadians, in all regions and sectors of the economy - producers and consumers, governments and citizens.

Speech From the Throne January 30, 2001.

The Government's focus will be on the three priorities of clean air, clean water, and the conservation of Canada's natural spaces.

Last December, the Government of Canada signed an agreement with the United States to significantly reduce the emissions that cause smog. This agreement will lead to a 90 percent reduction in smog-causing vehicle emissions by 2010, bringing cleaner air to millions of citizens in both countries. The Government will move quickly to implement this agreement and other measures, working with the provinces and territories to achieve cleaner air.

Speech From the Throne October 12, 1999.

The long-term economic and social well being of every Canadian depends on the state of our natural environment. Canada's ability to adopt innovative environmental practices and technologies will increasingly be part of Canada's strength in the 21st century. In Canada the Government will work governments and citizens to meet our country's commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.