United to advance the fight against climate change

QUEBEC, December 8, 2014 – In a joint statement issued today, the Government of Québec and the governments of Ontario, British Columbia and the State of California reaffirm their common commitment to the worldwide fight against climate change.

The Joint Statement on Climate Change affirms that climate change represents a serious environmental and economic threat, and recognizes the importance of taking action now to stop irreparable damage.

It also references the opportunity that a low-carbon economy represents in terms of creating jobs and improving productivity.

As world negotiators gather in Lima to establish the bases for a new international agreement on climate change in the run-up to the 2015 Paris Conference of the Parties, the four sub-national states agree to work together towards mid-term greenhouse gas reduction goals.

They all recognize the threat that climate change represents, to both the environment and the economy, and state their desire to work together towards greenhouse gas reduction targets in the near future.

David Heurtel Québec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment

“The consequences of climate change are very real. Urgent action is required, and the time has now come to make decisions based on the kind of world we want to leave our children.” said Québec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, David Heurtel.

“Québec, just like its partners, fully shoulders this responsibility and is taking important steps that will not only contribute to worldwide GHG emission reduction efforts, but will also re-launch Québec’s economy,” he added.

Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“The time to take swift, collective action on climate change is now.” said Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

“Ontario is proud to be among many jurisdictions in North America that recognize the urgent need to stop the irreparable damage caused by climate change.

This statement affirms our resolve to lead by example, encourage other regions to do their part and leave our future generations with the legacy of a healthy, prosperous planet,” he added.

British Colombia Environment Minister Mary Polak.

“It is important for jurisdictions like British Columbia to demonstrate the many ways we can contribute to global climate action,”  said British Colombia Environment Minister Mary Polak.

“With targets and policies like the revenue neutral BC carbon tax at home and by creating solutions like clean LNG, B.C. is an example to countries building their plans for Paris in 2015,”

“California has been a leader in developing effective policies to cut carbon pollution and combat climate change. Our experience demonstrates that committing to a clean energy future is also a powerful means to drive economic growth,” said Matthew Rodriquez,California Secretary for Environmental Protection.

Matthew Rodriquez,California Secretary for Environmental Protection

“But no one state or province can do this alone.” he added. “This statement is another sign of how California is working with other states and regions in North America and around the world to make real progress in reducing greenhouse gases and to build momentum toward an international agreement in Paris next year.”

The joint statement is available on the Website of the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques: http://www.mddelcc.gouv.qc.ca/changements/joint_statement_qc-on-bc-ca.pdf.