2001 Western Premiers’ Conference

MOOSE JAW, May 31, 2001 -- Premiers agreed that increasing global concentration of greenhouse gases could lead to serious environmental consequences and noted that the impacts of climate change are being felt in Canada now, particularly in the North. They agreed that a variety of measures must be available for use in responding to climate change, including clean energy, energy conservation, and carbon management. They further agreed on the importance of encouraging the development of new technologies to provide cost-effective clean energy. They clearly stated their commitment to exchange information, show progress, reduce emissions and explore ways to use energy efficiently.

Premiers emphasized the need to continue to pursue the National Climate Change Implementation Strategy through the coordination of activities, joint development of strategies and a broad federal-provincial-territorial partnership in managing climate change risks. They urged the federal government to continue to be responsive to the different opportunities and challenges of individual jurisdictions.

Premiers recognized the need for an effective global strategy to manage greenhouse gases and climate change. They took note of recent developments, especially the US National Energy Policy and the US climate change position in opposition to the Kyoto protocol. Premiers urged the federal government to negotiate actively in international forums to seek effective international rules that encourage a full scope of reduction and offset activity at home, and facilitate an effective market for encouraging reductions throughout the world.

Premiers reconfirmed their intent to continue working with the federal government and other provinces to implement the national strategy, taking into consideration the United States position and the actions the United States will be taking to address climate change.

Note: Mr. Gordon Campbell, Premier-elect of British Columbia, attended the 2001 Western Premiers' Conference. However, in his current role as Premier-elect, Mr. Campbell was unable to give the official endorsement of the Province of British Columbia to the positions and commitments outlined in this Communiqué.

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