Paris, France
February 2, 2007

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

This has been a productive day for Canada and the world. I met with the French Prime Minister and Sir Nicholas Stern earlier today, and we agree that the Fourth Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will be a turning point for the world in the battle against climate change.

Based on this mornings report and the discussions I have had with Sir Nicholas Stern and our departments own scientists, it is clear that the science is speaking to us. It is saying that climate change is real, and that climate change is here. I get it, and so does Canadas New Government.

We accept that the IPCC report is a significant piece of scientific work on climate change and we will consider the findings of this report very seriously.

The science is clear. The evidence is conclusive. It is important that we accept what the experts are telling us. We must now focus our attention on solutions to protect our planets fragile ecosystem. And we must take real action on climate change.

By we, I mean Canada and all nations.

Climate change is a global issue that requires global action.

Canada must first take concrete action at home.

We are doing that.

We have made climate change and clean air a priority.

For the first time, the Government of Canada is taking action on both greenhouse gases and on solutions to protect our planet biodiversity and the health of Canadians.

Canadians, our industries, our provincial and municipal governments, we must all understand what is at stake. Making progress on environmental protection requires an adjustment on all fronts, in Canada and across the world. Canadas New Government is recognizing that leadership on this issue means that real action must begin, most importantly, at home.  

We will set short-term targets for industrial air pollutant reductions that are among the most aggressive in the world.

And we will set short and medium-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

But contributing to the climate change solution takes more than regulations. It takes more than just rules.

It will take a collective effort.

We also realize that for the global community to make real progress on climate change, governments, industries and citizens from around the world must work together and they must do so now.

The Report released this morning delivers a definitive scientific statement on climate change.The facts are in, so now we have two choices -- we can stay with our old habits or we can react to new realities.

Canada chooses to act and the world should too. This is far too critical an issue for us to leave it behind for future generations to address.

We are not going to preach. We are not going to badger. We are going to lead by example, and help others with science and technology. We will gladly meet those who want to work to improve the environment -- either under the auspices of the United Nations or other forums. We will be a full player as together we act and work to limit greenhouse gas emissions, to prepare for and adapt to climate change, and at the same time, to grow our worlds economy.

The time for talk is over. The time for real action is here, in Canada and for all nations and all citizens of the world.

Thank you.