By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 24, 2015
Justin Trudeau, premiers seek to unify Canada’s message on climate change
With a first ministers meeting set to take place in Ottawa today just one week before the start of the Paris climate talks, a number of premiers are reminding Justin Trudeau he’s not swooping in at the 11th hour to save the day.
In fact, some are voicing concern the new prime minister may “fiddle around” with plans already in place.
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna reiterated a key Liberal campaign pledge on Friday: “We promise to provide national leadership to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution,” she told attendees of the Canada 2020 conference on Friday.
Throwback to 2014
Earlier in the day, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard reminded journalists at the same conference that the provinces have been showing leadership on this file for years.
“I am very happy to be working with the federal government and colleagues around the table, but let’s resist the temptation to start from scratch.”
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has been among those most resistant to putting a price on carbon for his province, expressing concern that the harm to the economy would outweigh environmental benefits.
That said, he is expected to unveil a plan later on Monday to have his province get at least half of its electricity supplied by renewable resources.
New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says he also intends to make sure economic considerations remain front and centre at the meeting.
“We are all very much focused on creating jobs and growing the economy so we have to have these subjects come up in the same conversation to make sure we are growing the economy in a sustainable way,” he said Saturday.(Source: CBC News)
Published in the Regina Leader-Post, Wednesday November 25, 2015