Collaboration agreement between Ville de Montréal, C40, the David Suzuki Foundation and the Trottier Family Foundation

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - In order for Montréal to become a true municipal leader with respect to climate change and to the city's commitments made at the Global Climate Action Summit, in San Francisco, Montréal has ratified a collaboration agreement with C40, the David Suzuki and the Trottier Family Foundation, for a 2-year period.  

"In the wake of the ratification of the One Planet Charter in San Francisco, and the adoption of a climate declaration by elected officials from Montréal city council, we can rely on major support thanks to the commitment of important Montréal partners, who are both credible and committed to reaching our Deadline 2020 targets. Together, we intend to make Montréal a true leader in the fight against climate change, and to bring concrete solutions to change and to achieve an environmental transition. As a C40 member city, we are committed to taking the necessary action for our metropolis to become resilient and carbon-neutral by 2050," said Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal.

"This unique partnership between the community and the government will enable Montréal to reach its ambitious carbon neutrality by 2050. While national governments are fighting to reach their climate targets, the leadership of the mayors of the world's large cities remains essential in avoiding the dangers of climate change for our planet," said David Miller, North America Regional Director and C40 Ambassador for Inclusive Climate Action, C40 Cities Leadership Group.

Karel Mayrand, Director General for Québec and Altantic Canada of the David Suzuki Foundation added: "Climate change will be the main challenge for the next generation. The 90 deaths related to last summer's heat waves showed the urgency to act concretely to limit global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celcius and adapt to the growing impacts of climate change. The commitment made as part of C40 shows Montréal's leadership in the fight against climate change. We are happy to join forces in this leadership to make our metropolis a role model of environmental transition and of resilience across Canada, North America, and the world."

"The entire Montréal community must spring into action to take on the climate change challenge. It is in this spirit that the foundation decided to offer its support to Mayor Plante. In our opinion, it is essential that scientific knowledge and top expertise and technologies be used in the elaboration of an ambitious and feasible plan to fight climate change," concluded Eric St-Pierre, Executive Director of the Trottier Family Foundation. 

This collaboration will enable us to pool our resources in order to develop a concrete and ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a plan to adapt to climate change that is compatible with the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. Overall, the parties have committed to collaborating on three aspects: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation and resilience to climate changes, as well as commitment and mobilization.

Montréal will be able to rely on a financial contribution from the Foundations, totaling at least $250,000, with the possibility of adding up to $400,000, according to the evolution of needs and the potential addition of other financial partners.

Montréal's commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

For several years now, the city has been actively invested in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Total emissions generated by Montréal have in fact been reduced by 23% from 1990 to 2014. The city wishes to pursue this active involvement in the fight against climate change, in order to improve the quality of life and health of Montrealers, and to provide them with a healthy living environment, while promoting a greener economy.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet de la mairesse et du comité exécutif

Source: Geneviève Jutras, Attachée de presse de la mairesse, Cabinet de la mairesse et du comité exécutif, 514 243-1268; Information: Mélanie Gagné, Relationniste, Service des communications, Ville de Montréal, 514 868-8762