Question Period, 13 December 2011 (Parliament of Canada): The Environment

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TRANSCRIPT (from Hansard)

Mrs. Nycole Turmel (Leader of the Opposition, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has had every opportunity to help the provinces by simply transferring the data. It would not cost anything.

Yesterday was another dark day for Canada when it became the first country to withdraw from the Kyoto protocol. This is a very dark oil stain on Canada's international reputation. Canada is being criticized by France and even China. The rest of the world is moving forward but Canada is putting on the brakes. Canada is isolating itself and turning its back on the rest of the world.

Why is the Prime Minister capitulating to climate change?

Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, once again, the government's position is clear with regard to the registry. We do not intend to attack farmers and duck hunters. We are attacking criminals. That is our position.

As for the Kyoto protocol, our position has been clear on this issue for a long time. We support an international protocol that will include all major emitters. The Kyoto protocol clearly does not meet those criteria. That is why it is not effective.

Mrs. Nycole Turmel (Leader of the Opposition, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, it appears the Conservatives are reneging on Canada's obligations. The Conservatives are turning their backs on the world. The Conservatives are betraying future generations. They have set up bogus homemade targets and are not even a quarter of the way toward meeting this lame attempt at saving face.

When will the Prime Minister take climate change seriously?

Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, in terms of climate change, we are pursuing policies domestically, nationally and internationally. We are working for the creation of an international protocol that will include all major emitters.

What this government does not favour, what this government has never favoured and has been very clear on is we do not agree with a protocol that only controls a bit of global emissions, not enough to actually make any difference but enough to transfer Canadian jobs overseas. We will never agree to that.

Hon. Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister started his 10-year battle of Kyoto in 2002, he told Canadians, "scientific evidence" on climate change was contested and contradictory, thereby giving credibility to climate change deniers such as the one who just applauded across the way.

Is that still the position the Prime Minister of Canada holds about the issue of climate change?

Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, I do not pretend to be a scientist on these issues and I hope neither does the leader of the Liberal Party.

What made absolutely no sense for this country was a Liberal government that signed the Kyoto protocol, signed what I quite frankly think were stupid targets and then had no plan after 10 years in office to even implement those. That was irresponsible.

This government is ensuring we have a responsible position for this country.

Hon. Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, I asked a very simple and direct question to the Prime Minister of Canada regarding climate change and scientific evidence. I asked a very simple question and the Prime Minister of our dear country refused to respond.

I will ask the question again: does the Prime Minister accept the scientific evidence regarding climate change? Yes or no? That is the question.

Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, I have said a number of times that climate change is a big international problem. That is why this government is taking action on climate change—unlike the Liberal Party, which did nothing.

Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP):

...

Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):

...

Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP):

...

Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):

...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• SaveEnvironmentCanada
• politics
• QuestionPeriod
• Canada
• environment

[SaveEC]

@gummycat4: All of our Question Period videos are also provided "en francais" -- see the "Uploaded Videos" playlist. They still have voice-overs for the English parts, but at least you get to listen in the language of your choice. Raw video footage can be found at parvu (you will need to google it because YouTube doesn't allow link posting). Thanks for watching!

[Freethinker12341]

Bob Rae for PM

[gummycat4]

Where can I find this without voiceovers ?

[gopconservative78]

I'm so glad the Conservatives are in the Majority! Drill baby Drill and crush the sissy hippies

[cosine42]

Let the Planet BURN!!!!!!!

[tayeule124]

lol Bob Rae should be concerned about his own party rather than playing tough guy in the House. I know Justin Trudeau doesn't get to speak a lot but he should make sure he's capable of speaking intelligently, and giving out facts rather than baseless personal attacks.

[spenton1979]

Give an answer Harper, YES or NO... please.

[ROlshansky1]

Amen, PM Harper!