OTTAWA - Newly minted Environment Minister Peter Kent says he hasn't taken the job to do anything differently than his predecessors when it comes to policy.

But he says what he will do is sell that policy a little better.

Around the world and at home, many observers aren't green with envy over Canada's stand on the environment but green with rage.

Canada routinely wins "fossil of the day" awards at international climate conferences and was called out publicly at the Copenhagen conference in 2009 for not setting earlier targets for reducing emissions.

But Kent said in an interview Thursday that he didn't take the environment minister post to distinguish himself from that past record.

"My objective is to fit into the big boots left by Jim Prentice and John Baird and just do the best job that I can do to carry on the terrific work that they were involved with," he said.

He will move forward, Kent said, with a scientific panel's call for more monitoring and regulation of the environmental impact of the Alberta oilsands.

"We can do better in a lot of ways, both in our oversight and regulation and enforcement," he said.

"But we can also be better in terms of communicating challenges and solutions."

Kent said partisan criticism and misinformation abound on Canada's environmental record, noting clear steps have been taken by the Harper government on greenhouse gas emissions.

They included bringing in sustainable, bio fuel minimums for gasoline and regulations for emissions from cars and light trucks. More regulations are coming for rail and marine transport.

Canada is on track, Kent said, to hit its target of a 17 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020.

Upon reading his briefing books, he said he was pleasantly surprised to learn the country was 25 per cent of the way there.

"Communications is going to be a big part of my job," said the former broadcast journalist.

"Making sure that the conversation domestically and internationally is based on facts and not on outdated stereotypes or outright misinformation."

The environment file needs more than a spokesperson, said Liberal environment critic Gerard Kennedy.

"What Mr. Harper needed if he wanted to have a scintilla of credibility on the environment is a minister that is going to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work," Kennedy said.

Kennedy said Prentice and Baird did enough talking and it is time for serious action.

"We need an advocate in this government. It would be very disappointing and distressing to learn that right at the beginning that Mr. Kent has no ambition to improve what's generally seen as a failed ministry at this point."

Kent said like many Canadians, he tries to live an environmentally responsible life.

A recent renovation of his 19th century farmhouse included installing a far more energy efficient water tank, adapters on faucets and toilets to reduce water consumption and upgrading all the windows.

He also notes that he's a member of the Thornhill Garden and Horticultural Society, which is quite pleased to have a friend in the ministry.