Minister of Environment and Climate Change continues Canada's global climate change leadership at G7 Environment Ministers' Meeting Français
GATINEAU, QC, June 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, wrapped up the two-day G7 Environment Ministers' meeting in Bologna, Italy. Minister McKenna led a Canadian delegation including representatives from academia and the private sector, and showcased Canada's climate plan, which brings together provinces, territories, cities, Indigenous peoples and businesses on the path to a clean growth future.
At the G7, Minister McKenna joined France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in reaffirming Canada's steadfast commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, which is the global instrument for effectively and urgently tackling climate change.
Canada expressed its deep disappointment in the decision by the United States Administration to walk away from the global consensus of the Paris Agreement. We reiterated Canada's commitment to work with provinces, states, cities, business and all actors committed to advancing ambitious climate action under the Paris Agreement.
Building on the leadership the Government of Canada has shown at home and abroad since the Paris climate talks, Minister McKenna promoted Canada's climate plan and indicated that the collaboration of the provinces, territories, cities, Indigenous peoples and businesses will ensure the success of the plan.
Minister McKenna's G7 counterparts expressed their appreciation for Canada's leadership and concrete actions to implement the Paris Agreement, including our commitment to put a price on pollution across the country.
Canada takes on the G7 presidency next year, focused on strengthening the middle class, advancing gender equity, fighting climate change and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion.
Minister McKenna held bilateral meetings with her American, European Union, Italian, British, French, Japanese and Maldivian counterparts to discuss climate change, clean growth and the path forward on the commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
The G7 partners made good progress in discussions on a wide range of global environmental issues, such as clean growth, carbon markets, innovation and trade as well as resource efficiency and marine litter, and financing for developing nations, including those in Africa.
The G7 Environment Ministers' Communiqué outlines progress.
Quote
"Canada's position at the G7 is clear: The Paris Agreement is irreversible. We are committed to its swift and effective implementation and to continuing to work with our international partners to fight climate change and create the right conditions for sustained global clean growth. The environment and the economy go hand in hand, and we know that acting on climate change will spur clean innovation,create jobs, and lead to a healthier future for our children."
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
- In September, Canada will co-host a ministerial meeting with China and the European Union to move forward on the Paris Agreement and clean growth.
- The 2018 G7 Summit will be held at Le Manoir Richelieu located in the Charlevoix region, Quebec.
- The 2018 G7 Summit will allow Canada to showcase both its domestic and international priorities: to strengthen the middle class, advance gender equity, fight climate change, and promote respect for diversity and inclusion.
Associated links
Canada's action on climate change
www.canada.ca/climateaction
Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change
www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/climate_change/
Canada and the G7
www.international.gc.ca/g7/index.aspx?lang=eng
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
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