Canadian Clean Air Act

Written - October 25, 2006

The Conservatives have just introduced the Clean Air Act in Parliament. Among other problems, the targets of the legislation are so remote that the legislation provides at best a theoretical approach to dealing with climate change. By setting the date for greenhouse gas reduction at 2050, it allows the politicians of today to focus their attention elsewhere, and leaves the actual implementation of targets to the next generation of Canadians. There are some measures in the legislation that are valid; but overall, this is an insult to the international community, and to Canada’s commitment to mitigating climate change.

The Kyoto Accord mandated that there be a 5% reduction below 1990 carbon dioxide emission levels in Canada by 2012. In 1990 carbon emissions were 599 mega-tonnes, in 2003 emissions were 754 mega-tonnes. Embarrassingly, Canada’s emissions are 32% above the proposed targets, with emissions from the energy sector increasing substantially during the past 15 years.

Prime Minister Harper and Environment Minister Ambrose have often repeated the jargon that Canada’s Kyoto commitment is unachievable. Other countries give a different picture. The European Union has met its Kyoto targets. The UK is already 12.5% below 1990 levels and will achieve 25% below target reductions by 2010. Germany is 18.5% below 1990 levels and has proposed targets of 40% below by 2020 with the cooperation of other nations.

The valid points in the Clean Air Act point to personal motor equipment that must meet more stringent standards immediately. While this is a suitable goal, it is ridiculous that the onus is placed on small engines to deal with greenhouse gas emissions, while Alberta keeps pouring out gases at an exponential rate through the exploitation of the tar sands.

Let’s not leave this problem to the next generation of Canadians. The next generation of Canadians is already going to be burdened with depleted and expensive oil sources. The next generation will be facing water quality problems and the illnesses that are a result of poor water. The next generation will also be dealing with climate change and its effects. What the next generation of Canadians needs today is a voice, a voice that does not cater to industry, but to the stability of the future.