Climate Change Accountability Act a Step Forward for Canada

OTTAWA—Members of the Climate Action Network-Réseau Action Climat Canada are very pleased to celebrate historic progress in Canadian climate change policy today with the passing of the third reading vote on the Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C-311).

“The passing of the Climate Change Accountability Act is a huge victory for climate change policy in Canada,” said John Bennett of Sierra Club Canada. “The environmental movement has supported this Bill from its inception as one of the strongest piece of climate change legislation in Canadian politics.”

“All three opposition parties must be congratulated for their support for the Climate Change Accountability Act,” said Dale Marshall of the David Suzuki Foundation. “This support reminds us that the majority of Members of Parliament, along with the majority of Canadians and provinces want stronger action on climate change. “

“The Harper government has fumbled the ball on climate change. The upcoming G8 and G20 summits are an opportunity for Canada to show some leadership,” said Dave Martin from Greenpeace Canada. “The targets laid out in the Climate Change Accountability Act, together with money on the table to help poorer countries cope with climate change would send a message to the world that Canada is ready to take this seriously.”

The Climate Change Accountability Act requires that the Canadian federal government implement regulations and policies to attain a long-term target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below the 1990 level by 2050.

Bill C-311 has passed third reading with the opposition parties voting in favour (149 to 136).  As this historic Bill passes through the House of Commons, Climate Action Network Canada looks forward to working together with all parties and the Senate to ensure rapid implementation of ambitious Canadian climate policy.

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For comment:

  • Dale Marshall, 613.302.9913
  • Dave Martin, 416.627.5004
  • John Bennett, 613.291.6888

For further information and media inquires:

Michael Bernard
Director of Media Relations
Sierra Club Canada
[email protected]
(o) 613.241.4611 x230
(c) 613.302.9933
Toll free: 1.888.810.4204