Ottawa under fire from Quebec and Ontario for its stance at Copenhagen

[marmar]

via CBC News:




Ottawa under fire from Quebec and Ontario for its stance at Copenhagen
Published: Sunday, December 13, 2009 | 7:07 PM ET

Canadian Press Remi Nadeau , THE CANADIAN PRESS


COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Ottawa is under fire from Quebec and Ontario for its modest greenhouse gas emission reduction targets at the Copenhagen climate talks.

In Denmark on Sunday for the United Nations climate convention, Quebec Premier Jean Charest condemned the federal government for the potential economic consequences of its anemic fight against climate change.

"Commercial sanctions are a real danger for countries refusing to put in place tough targets," he said. "We could be vulnerable."

The premier said Quebec's export-based economy could be an early victim should the European Union act on its threat to impose a carbon tax on products coming from delinquent countries.

Further, the World Trade Organization declared last summer it would be acceptable to impose taxes on imports coming from countries that fail to address climate change or renege on international engagements. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/091213/n121339A.html

[Cirque du So-What]

1. Haven't Canadians had enough of asshat Harper - YET?!?

Could Harper be the straw that breaks the camel's back where the secession of Quebec is concerned?

[Bobbieo]

2. In these times, he could be.

[CHIMO]

3. Ontario and Quebec slam Ottawa on climate

COPENHAGEN–Just as the federal government was getting comfortable at the delicate climate negotiations taking place in this city, along came Canada's two largest provinces armed with blistering criticism of the country's weak plans to reduce emissions.

Ontario and Quebec, the two provinces with the most ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gases, say they are disappointed with Ottawa's position, but confident it will be forced into improved targets over the next five days of critical talks toward a global climate change deal.

There may be hell to pay from the two giants of the federation, plus British Columbia and Manitoba, if that doesn't happen.

"We're here as ... four provinces representing nearly 80 per cent of the population and 75 per cent of the economy," said Quebec environment minister Line Beauchamp. "It is quite simply, with that evidence, a file where the federal government is going to have to evolve over the coming months."

http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/environment/copenhagensummit/article/738264--ontario-and-quebec-slam-ottawa-on-climate?bn=1