STATEMENT BY THE PRIME
MINISTER ON THE UN CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Today
marks a critical and important point with the world coming together in
Montreal to collectively tackle climate change.
I applaud the constructive engagement of all countries under the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on their commitment to
seek progress on an inclusive and productive way forward.
The
successful conclusion of the 11th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC
and the 1st Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol gives new
momentum to taking action on what is clearly a significant environmental
challenge for all people of the world and for future generations.
I
would like to recognize the considerable efforts of the President of the
Conference, the Honourable Stéphane Dion and Minister Pierre
Pettigrew as Canada’s Head of Delegation, and their dedicated team whose
commitment over the past nine months has led to one of the most successful
and productive meetings ever on climate change.
Under
Mr. Dion's leadership more than 180 countries came together to build a
clear road map to implement the Kyoto Protocol, to improve the Protocol as
well as the Convention, and to innovate the world's future approach to
cooperation on climate change, forming the basis for the Montreal Action
Plan.
As
Canada's Presidency of the UNFCCC continues through 2006, we are committed
to continuing to strengthen the world's resolve in addressing this
important issue, while at home Canada will aggressively push forward with
its own initiatives to honour its Kyoto commitments.
