Elected chamber is first in the world to adopt 80% pollution reduction target by 2050

OTTAWA – Today, with the passage of NDP Leader Jack Layton’s private member’s bill, The Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C-377), Canada’s House of Commons has become the first elected chamber in the world to adopt science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent, from 1990 levels, by 2050.

“This is a world first,” said Layton. “Our legislation sets tough but achievable targets that will ensure Canada does its share to avoid the dangerous two-degree increase in average global temperature that scientists warn us about.”

To ensure Canada meets long-term pollution reduction targets, short- and medium-term targets are also enshrined in the law. The bill sets an interim target of 25 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 and requires progress reports from the government every five years.

“These are targets endorsed by world leaders, enshrined in legislation,” said Layton. “Instead of looking back and dwelling on past targets, missed because of the inaction of previous governments, the NDP is looking forward to a sustainable future where Canada’s economy is buoyed by environmental initiatives.”

“When Conservatives filibustered this bill in committee, we kept fighting relentlessly for this law,” said NDP Environment Critic Nathan Cullen (Skeena Bulkley-Valley), who led the legislative efforts and negotiations in the environment committee. “The cost of doing nothing to combat climate change would mean economic and environmental disaster for Canada. This is exactly why working families don’t trust the Conservatives.”

Dear Jack,

This is a great victory for the NDP under your leadership. Such targets are really important, and they do influence the debate overseas, particularly in places like Australia.

- Tim Flannery, author of The Weather Makers