The National Round Table brought together a citizens’ panel of 25 respected, objective Canadians in a National Forum on Climate Change. Endorsed by the Prime Minister, the Forum was intended to assist Canadians to better understand the climate change issue and all its implications.

The Forum’s panellists were selected from a stratified random sample of Order of Canada recipients — accomplished Canadians who have been recognized for their outstanding service to Canada in such areas as community voluntarism, philanthropy, visual arts, sports, education, health care and business. The Forum was unique, precisely because it was unbiased and began with no predetermined views on the potential impact of climate change, or on the most appropriate response for Canada. This panel of citizens was provided with the full range of expert opinion and knowledge and examined all sides of the climate change debate.

The National Forum on Climate Change presented a Declaration to the Prime Minister, all levels of government, and Canadians as a whole in June 1998. In terms of key messages, the Forum members were clear: on the balance of evidence, and in the face of scientific and economic uncertainty, the time for action is now.