Conservative Regulatory Framework Sets Stage For Kyoto Withdrawal

Based on this plan, Canada will be in violation of international law and will stand as the only nation, of more than 160 countries around the world that have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol, to have reneged on its commitments. “In addition to the weak and slippery targets, what I’m really concerned about is that this plan may foreshadow the Harper government’s intention to formally commence withdrawal from the Kyoto process in 2008,” added Ms. May. “After all, if they don’t withdraw, then huge penalties will come into effect.” 2008 is the first year within the Kyoto agreement in which formal withdrawal is allowed. “Withdrawing from Kyoto would put Canada in the pariah corner,” added Ms. May. “How ironic that this may happen at the same time as the world expects the US to join the process.” Since the release of the original ineffective and damaging piece of legislation known as the Clean Air Act last fall, the Conservative government has wasted taxpayers’ dollars in a futile attempt to scare and mislead Canadians. Last week, Minister Baird presented a rigged economic analysis on the costs of implementing Kyoto to a Senate committee. In an obvious attempt to avoid putting forth any genuine effort to meet our legally binding international commitments under Kyoto, Minister Baird made the erroneous claim that meeting Kyoto targets would plunge Canada into severe recession. That taxpayers dollars’ were spent in this fashion is outrageous and irresponsible. http://www.greenparty.ca/en/releases/26.04.2007 [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on April 30, 2007]

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