(OTTAWA) - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich – Gulf Islands), welcomed the recent statement from Hilary Clinton opposing the Keystone pipeline and calling for a North American Climate Compact.
“The Democratic race in the U.S. includes a strong debate on climate action with climate champion Senator Bernie Sanders pushing Ms. Clinton to do more. It is unfortunate that the Canadian election is missing this all-important dynamic,” said May.
“Clinton's call for a North American Climate Compact closely mirrors Canadian Green Party policy. As in Clinton's proposal, our platform includes greater rail safety, an improved and modernized electricity grid and strong action to reduce greenhouse gases. For a real climate partnership to emerge in North America clearly Canada needs new leadership. Ideally, immediately following our elections, a new Canadian government, with a role for Green MPs, will begin the work to press for tougher targets at the upcoming climate negotiating session. The Paris conference is the deadline for a new and comprehensive climate treaty, and Canada needs to be ready,” continued May.
“Stephen Harper has destroyed our reputation as a climate leader. On his instructions, our negotiators have slowed and in some cases sabotaged real climate action. We have a lot of work to do to repair the damage of the last decade. There is an opportunity for Canada to be a world-leader again in climate change at the United Nations 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris this December,” said May. “This will not happen if Mr. Harper is Prime Minister.”
“Green MPs are committed to working with other parties to make climate change a top priority,” concluded May. “Saying no to tankers and bitumen-loaded pipelines while saying yes to real climate action is essential.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
[email protected]
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
[email protected]