Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers of the Environment

Ottawa, Ontario – January 29, 2016 – Today, Canada’s federal, provincial, and  territorial ministers of the environment came together for the first time ever to  work towards the establishment of a pan‑Canadian framework to address climate  change and grow our economy. Together, they made the following statement:

"Climate change is one of the  greatest challenges of our generation and citizens across the country are  already feeling its impacts. All jurisdictions have a leadership role to play.

"Each province and  territory is taking its own important steps forward on this path. We achieved  the Paris Agreement in December together. With Indigenous leaders,  representatives from municipalities, civil society, youth, and business, we  were united in our commitment to the global fight against climate change.

"We also looked at Canada’s  greenhouse gas projections to 2020 and 2030. The data are clear and confirm  that more needs to be done. Our governments are now moving forward  collaboratively to develop a framework and specific actions, including  investments in green infrastructure, to meet the commitments we made in Paris  in order to close the gap.

"We are working together to  face this challenge and to ensure transition to a cleaner and more resilient  future for the next generation and those to come.

"We all agreed that, in the  XXIst century, Canada’s prosperity must be built on the principle  that the environment and the economy go hand in hand. For example, clean  technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. It is important  to reduce emissions while positioning Canada to take advantage of global  opportunities to grow, diversify our economies, access markets, and create  jobs.

"The  diversity of our people, geography, industry, and economies is our strength. The  path forward to fight climate change will build on the Declaration  of the Premiers of Canada from the Quebec Summit, and existing engagement  and actions of provinces and territories. It includes Indigenous knowledge, and  incorporates new and innovative ideas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing  our economy.

"Over  the past two days, we have had productive discussions on important issues and  areas, including economic opportunities, means of reducing emissions, including  the importance of technological innovation, public engagement, carbon pricing,  and adapting to the effects of climate change.

"These discussions bring us one step closer to the  successful development of a pan‑Canadian framework for combatting climate  change."

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Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-934-8008