2009-11-16 1440 QP - The Environment

Mr. David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, let us review the Reform-Conservative record on climate change. After four years and three ministers there is no plan, no analysis, no price on carbon, no cap and trade system, no regulations, support for renewable power that was first frozen and then abandoned, no absolute reduction targets, rising rates of emissions, and provinces and businesses being forced to go it alone. While the rest of the world is retooling their economies to compete in the global clean energy race, why is Canada not even at the starting line?

Mr. Mark Warawa (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the member well knows that the government's plan is clear. We now have in effect a North American target of 20% reduction by 2020. We are also making progress on tailpipe emissions standards, aviation standards, carbon capture and storage, and a North American integrated approach on cap and trade. By contrast, members of the opposition would move us away from a North American strategy. They have a long 13-year record of not getting it done. That will not happen under this government.

Mr. David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, countries around the world are reorganizing their economies in order to be competitive in the global race to develop clean energy. In that regard, Germany has already created 250,000 jobs. The United States is investing six times more than Canada and China is investing $250 billion in the development of advanced energy technologies. Even Alaska and Sarah Palin are beating us. Why is this government jeopardizing our economy and our environment, and when will it finally wake up?

Mr. Mark Warawa (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment, CPC): Mr. Speaker, that member and other opposition members would have us abandon the target of 20% reduction by 2020. They would have us terminate our agreements with the Obama administration. The person who nailed the Liberal position on climate change was the leader of the Liberal Party who said "I think our party has got into a mess on the environment.... We didn't get it done". He was absolutely right. That party did not get it done. We are getting it done.

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