Environment Minister Rona Ambrose to Take on Presidency of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

OTTAWA, February 16, 2006 - The Government of Canada has informed the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat that Environment Minister Rona Ambrose will assume the duties of President of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The designation of Minister Ambrose honors Canada’s international commitment made during the Montreal Climate Change Conference to hold the presidency for a one-year term that began in November 2005.

"I am honored that the Prime Minister has nominated me to this prestigious post," said Minister Ambrose. "The President of the Conference of Parties is an important opportunity for Canada to provide leadership in the global dialogue on environmental issues."

Canada will retain the presidency until a new President is elected during the next meeting of the Conference of Parties in November 2006.

For further information, please contact :

Fabien Lengellé
Director of communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441