Canada Federal Election Survey - 2006

Climate Change Questions

	YES	NO	Comment
NDP	—	—	The NDP is completely committed to fighting climate change. Not only have New Democrats presented a comprehensive Kyoto Implementation Plan, we also commit to introducing and passing a Clean Air Act. This legislation will set and pursue a target that lives up to our responsibilities to the Kyoto Accord to address air pollution. In 1993, the Liberals committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% from 1990 levels by 2005. Instead, emissions are up by 24%. The NDP's Clean Air Act will undo the damage caused by Liberal neglect and set a firm target - by 2020, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions will be 25% below what they were in 1990 We will ensure that all the strategies and programs Canada uses to combat climate change, including an emissions trading system, include transparent and accessible information for the public.
Conservative
Green Party
Liberal	—	—	Environment Canada's Greenhouse Gas Division is the central agency responsible for Canada’s National System of monitoring, analyzing and reporting emissions and removals of greenhouse gases, in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Kyoto Protocol Annually, they develop and submit Canada's National Inventory Report, a mandatory obligation upon which compliance with our Kyoto Protocol target will be assessed. The report documents emissions and removals of GHGs in Canada, including an analysis of emission trends, factors affecting those trends, and detailed descriptions of the methods, models and procedures used to develop and verify the data. This reporting regime, along with fulfilling international obligations, are also designed to provide accurate information for ascertaining compliance and supporting decision making on a sector, regional and provincial basis.
Bloc

	YES	NO	Comment
NDP	—	—	See #8 response
Conservative
Green Party
Liberal
Bloc

	YES	NO	Comment
NDP	—	—	See #8 response
Conservative
Green Party
Liberal	—	—	The market based mechanisms laid out in our plan to address climate change provide incentives for new forest carbon projects that are good for the environment and can contribute to Canada’s Kyoto targets and beyond. Forest carbon sinks are part of a balanced, broad plan to address climate change. Use of sinks is good for the environment and provides incentive for our land managers to enhance and protect our trees and soils. The Liberal government will continue to work in partnership with the provinces through the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers and with First Nations to ensure the sustainability of Canada’s forests. Those communities and businesses who utilize best environmental practices in forest management are eligible to receive credit through the Climate Fund and other federal programs and initiatives.
Bloc

	YES	NO	Comment
NDP	—	—	See #8 response
Conservative
Green Party
Liberal			See #8 response
Bloc

	YES	NO	Comment
NDP	—	—	See #8 response
Conservative
Green Party
Liberal	—	—	The purpose of the $1 billion Climate Fund is to create a market-based mechanism as one of the primary tools for Canada’s approach to climate change. The Climate Fund’s primary mandate is to promote domestic GHG emission reductions, with a view to positioning Canada to compete in the 21st century carbon-constrained global economy. The Fund will also invest in internationally recognized Kyoto emission reductions through the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation, as well as through procedures for “greening” other international credits. Only “green” credits – i.e. credits that represent real and verified emission reductions – will be recognized; there will be no purchases of so-called “hot air”. To ensure transparency and accountability in its operations, the Climate Fund Agency will prepare an Annual Corporate Business Plan and Annual Report which will be tabled in Parliament by the Minister of the Environment. It will also undergo an annual audit by the Auditor General of Canada.
Bloc

	YES	NO	Comment
NDP	—	—	See #8 response
Conservative
Green Party
Liberal	—	—	In 2000, we launched Climate Change Action Fund, which will continue to engage the public and provides education resources on issues related to climate change.
Bloc