Summary of Minister Ambrose's Activities at the 12th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

November 14 to 17, 2006
NAIROBI, KENYA

Summary of Activities for November 16, 2006

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, is heading the Canadian Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference from November 14 to 17 in Nairobi, Kenya. Since her arrival, Minister Ambrose has represented Canada at a number of Ministerial-level meetings and engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with delegates and senior officials who play a key role in leading discussions on international actions on climate change.

Minister Ambrose shares Canada’s hopes of inclusiveness in Nairobi

“Our hope is that when countries consider future action they consider taking an integrated approach and address both climate change and clean air as Canada has – action that will ensure health as well as environmental benefits. Our hope is that we truly find an inclusive approach as we move forward. That we include, and support and encourage, instead of exclude, isolate and criticize.”
- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment

Minister Ambrose in Nairobi

Hosting the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol Meeting

Minister Ambrose hosted a reception this evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol. Reiterating Canada’s commitment to protecting the ozone layer, another global issue of importance, Minister Ambrose announced to international colleagues and Canadians in attendance that Canada will host the 20th Anniversary Meeting of the Parties of the Montreal Protocol in 2007.

Minister Ambrose in Nairobi

“Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Canada was among the first to sign and ratify the Montreal Protocol,” stated Minister Ambrose. “Recently, our Government has committed to almost $18 million to the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund in order to assist developing countries in complying with the Montreal Protocol.”

Canada’s Youth Delegation was among those gathered at the reception. As the youngest female Cabinet Minister in Canadian history, the Minister recognized the importance of encouraging active youth engagement and has offered the Youth Delegation an opportunity to play an active role in the meetings surrounding the 20th anniversary of the Montreal protocol and broader climate change initiatives.

Bilateral Meetings

Minister Ambrose today met with the USA Head of Delegation and US Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky, who congratulated Canada’s New Government on its leadership in the International Methane to Markets Partnership. Under Secretary Dobriansky recognized our actions and expertise in the areas of methane reduction and capture technologies.

The Minister also met with the Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Namo Narain Meena from the Republic of India, and Chinese Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Jiang Weixin. Minister Ambrose conveyed to these countries Canada’s hope that they will continue to be part of international mechanisms as the world moves forward. In addition, the Minister and Vice Chairman Jiang Weixin discussed the importance of new technology to take concrete action on climate change, and agreed to enhance our bilateral relationship and co-operation.

In all of her bilateral meetings, Minister Ambrose stressed Canada’s promotion of an inclusive and integrated approach to address climate change. She reiterated her message that COP 12 should be about encouraging and supporting countries who take action to combat climate change – not finger pointing and trying to isolate those who are trying. The Minister committed to seeking open and constructive dialogue and welcoming every overture for collaboration at home and abroad.

Canada Submits Progress Report on Climate Change

As part of its commitment under the Kyoto Protocol, Canada has submitted its Report on Demonstrable Progress (DPR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Canada Greenhouse gas emissions today are 35% above the Kyoto target. This is why Canada’s New Government has set an ambitious agenda over the coming months to establish short, medium and long-term targets for air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Minister Ambrose. “The Government of Canada supports international action under the UN Climate Convention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – climate change is a global issue that requires global solutions.”

The DPR provides other countries with a history of Canada’s climate change progress up to 2005. Included in the report is a description and evaluation of domestic measures to implement commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, an overview of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions trends and a description of Canada’s activities to fulfill its commitments to address climate change.”

More information about the Conference

This meeting in Nairobi comprises the 12^th Conference of the Parties (COP12), which will deal with matters under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the 2^nd Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP2), which will deal with matters under the Kyoto Protocol.

Summary of Activities for November 14-15, 2006

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, is heading the Canadian Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference from November 14 to 17 in Nairobi, Kenya. Since her arrival, Minister Ambrose has represented Canada at a number of Ministerial-level meetings and engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with delegates and senior officials who play a key role in leading discussions on international actions on climate change.

Minister Ambrose brings message of Canadian truth and progress to Nairobi

"As with any bold recognition of the truth, ours was met by resistance. But it was the right thing to do. We will confront the reality of previous governments' inaction. Indeed, we haven chosen real progress over delay - and transparency over rhetoric. We are taking responsibility, embarking on pragmatic solutions and finally beginning the process of putting our own house in order."
- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment

Canada's country statement

Minister Ambrose delivered Canada's country statement to the 12^th Conference of Parties (COP12) meeting in Nairobi today, setting the Canadian record straight with the international community. In a speech before hundreds of delegates, the minister highlighted the immediate progress Canada's New Government is achieving on its plan to battle air pollution and climate change, adding Canada remains strongly committed to the UN process, to Kyoto and is driven by a principled obligation for collaboration and action.

Minister Ambrose in Nairobi

Canada's $100,000 contribution toward the COP12

Minister Ambrose met with the President of the Conference and Minister of the Environment for Kenya, Mr. Kivutha Kibwana, confirming to him that Canada has agreed to contribute $100,000 to Kenya to assist with the cost of holding the Conference. During their meeting, Minister Ambrose and Minister Kibwana discussed a range of issues including adaptation, which is a key issue for the African nations.

Bilateral Meetings

Minister Kivutha Kibwana, President of the Conference of the Parties, and Minister Ambrose in Nairobi.

On November 14, following a backing-group working lunch with President Kivutha Kibwana and a number of other member-country representatives, Minister Ambrose met with the European Union (EU) Delegation, including representatives from Finland, the current EU President, and Germany, which will take over the EU Presidency in January 1, 2007. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss emission trading, Canada-EU cooperation on climate change and other areas of common interest and next steps for increased international co-operation.

The minister also met with her Korean counterpart to discuss Korean perspectives on the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate and Canada's Clean Air Act.

On November 15, following remarks by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the opening of the high-level segment of COP12, Minister Ambrose joined her Danish counterpart Connie Hedegaard to discuss key issues to advance Canada's objectives for future international cooperation under the UN process, as well as progress being made under Canada's new environmental agenda.

The minister greeted the Canadian Youth Delegation at the UN Complex for a candid discussion of objectives and mutual concern for Canada's environment. At his request, Sir Stern later joined Minister Ambrose to discuss the issue of climate change in the context of Canada's framework for an Environmental Agenda.

After delivering Canada's country statement to the full conference, the minister met with Mr. David Miliband, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the UK. The two discussed the possibility of Canada hosting the next Energy Research and Innovation Workshop.

More information about the Conference

This meeting in Nairobi comprises the 12^th Conference of the Parties (COP12), which will deal with matters under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the 2^nd Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP2), which will deal with matters under the Kyoto Protocol.

For further information, please contact: