COPENHAGEN -- December 17, 2009 -- The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, today delivered Canada's national statement to delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) has brought nations together to work on developing a political agreement that will address our shared global economic and environmental challenges, and ensure a growing supply of clean, affordable energy for all countries.

“To be as fair and effective as possible, a Copenhagen agreement should be one that includes measurable, reportable and verifiable commitments and actions covering emissions in developed and developing countries,” said Minister Prentice. “Canada believes an agreement must support the development and deployment of clean technologies, along with constructive and ambitious global action.”

In his statement, Minister Prentice stressed that Canadians of all ages and in all regions share a profound interest in contributing to effective global action on climate change.

Minister Prentice went on to state that all countries have an obligation to take action on climate change in accordance with their capacity to do so. The Minister noted that each country should ensure the transition can be maintained over the long-term – even through periods of economic growth or uncertainty.

“Canada’s broad-based actions to address climate change take into account our large, diverse landmass, our growing population and the importance of our energy sector for meeting global demand,” said Minister Prentice. “Our approach also reflects the strong economic ties between Canada and the United States and the need to ensure our actions are aligned with our neighbour.”

Related Documents:

Canada's National Statement at Cop 15
[Statement 2009-12-17]

For more information, please contact:

Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
frederic.baril[at]ec.gc.ca


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