COMPTON, Que – Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is praising western Canadians for showing leadership on fighting climate change, but blames the Harper government for dropping the ball.
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff campaigns in Eastern Townships with former Liberal MP and minister Denis Paradis
“Let’s get this cliché out of heads that western Canadians aren’t concerned about the environment, aren’t concerned about getting greenhouse gases down,” Ignatieff said during a campaign stop in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region on Wednesday.
“What’s good about this country is all Canadians, whether you’re easterners or westerners want to face the challenge of climate change. The issue is how to do it right (and) make sure that we have a good sustainable oil and natural gas sector that meets its environmental goals and I want to work with the provinces to achieve that.”
He noted that western premiers have played a strong role in pushing for a cap and trade system, an element also proposed in the Liberal party’s platform.
A cap and trade system would set a limit on the amount of pollution that an industrial facility or company could legally produce or buy certified credits to meet their targets.
Companies that exceed their targets or engage in activities that reduce emissions would be able to sell credits at a price set by the market.
Ignatieff said the challenge is finding the right way to implement the system and ensure a sustainable oil and natural gas sector that meets its environmental goals.
“I want to work with the provinces to achieve that but the key thing is – (on) this cap and trade stuff – it’s the western provinces that have taken the lead and they’re waiting for federal leadership,” he said.
“So I’m willing to get back in and work with them in a cooperative spirit and do what’s right here. Make sure that we have a sustainable long-term plan to have a great oil and natural gas industry in Canada.”
Ignatieff also praised some efforts by the Alberta government to crack down on industrial pollution.
“Some of the most dramatic and important work to improve the environment in the oilsands has been taken by the Alberta government,” he said.
Although his campaign has not yet made stops in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Ignatieff said these provinces would not be left out.
“We’ve got plans to have campaign events in both provinces. I’m extremely optimistic,” he said. “I want to be the prime minister of all Canadians. I want to be the prime minister that has representation in every province and territory in the country. I want to be able to stand in the House of Commons with members from Saskatchewan and say we’re all one country. Let’s do some stuff together.”
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