Canada's participation in the international climate conference signals a determined new approach to domestic and international collaboration to achieve a climate change agreement
GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will travel to the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) to lead the Canadian delegation taking part in negotiations to establish a global agreement on climate change. She will join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will deliver Canada's national statement on November 30, and Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
COP21 is expected to result in the adoption of a new international climate change agreement in which all major emitters will commit to action. Canada is working in partnership with the provinces and territories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and position Canada as a global leader in the fight against climate change. Provincial and territorial officials, including premiers and ministers responsible for the environment, are joining the Canadian delegation.
The Government of Canada is committed to achieving a fair, ambitious and effective agreement that will enable the international community to achieve the goal of limiting warming below two degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
During COP21, Minister McKenna will meet regularly with provincial and territorial representatives as well as various stakeholders present at the conference. She will also participate in bilateral meetings and events where she will discuss Canada's approach and priorities on climate change.
Quote
"We have a collective responsibility to take action on climate change, and the Government of Canada is committed to reaching an ambitious global agreement. This must be anchored in science and lead the world towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
"Canada believes this agreement should also support the most vulnerable countries in their efforts to respond and adapt to climate change.
"At home, we will ensure national leadership, join with the provinces and territories to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon, and reduce carbon pollution."
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
For Canada, an agreement from a successful outcome at COP21 will:
- include legally binding obligations for all countries to submit greenhouse gas emissions commitments and to report on progress towards those commitments;
- ensure that each country commits to more stringent emissions-reduction targets at regular intervals;
- help build the capacity of countries in need to undertake meaningful mitigation action and to support them in adapting to the impacts of climate change.
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-934-8008
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