Canada's minister of environment and climate change hopes to work with the United States and Mexico on a "North American strategy" to fight global warming, as part of the landmark deal reached by 195 countries in Paris earlier this month.
Catherine McKenna says she's already had "great conversations" with her counterparts from the U.S. and Mexico on joint efforts to address climate change. "It's really important that we align and I think that what's great is that there is momentum with the U.S. and Mexico to do this," McKenna told CTV's Question Period. She added that a North American deal would also help "maintain the competitiveness of Canadian business."
McKenna spearheaded Canada's interests at the landmark negotiations in Paris earlier this month, where 195 developed and developing nations agreed to work together to limit the gradual rise of global temperatures.
McKenna said she wants to take a North American approach to the issue – a notion the federal Conservatives and NDP agree with.
"If we don't have a North American approach… over time, the economic playing field will be tilted very much against Canada," Conservative MP Ed Fast said on Question Period.
NDP MP Murray Rankin also expressed his party's support for the notion, while calling for a more "concrete plan" to achieve Canada's climate change goals.
Fast encouraged the Liberals to "consult broadly" in forming their climate change approach, particularly when it comes to plans for taxing carbon. He said the Liberals should expand their consultations beyond the provinces and territories, and include industry leaders as well.
Despite the widespread international support for the Paris deal, some critics have dismissed it as an empty promise, due to its lack of concrete sanctions for countries that fail to do their part.
McKenna insisted that "transparency and accountability" will keep all countries on track. She said it's "very hard to have sanctions," but she expects the majority of countries to put pressure on those that don't follow through on their commitments. "There will be a lot of pressure on countries to do their part," she said. "I was there with business representatives, environmental NGOs, indigenous peoples, youths and provinces and territories, and everyone's going to be watching."
Countries will be expected to report on their progress every five years, McKenna pointed out. "So if they don't improve and they aren't meeting their targets, it's going to be there for the whole world to see," she said.
McKenna said she's already spoken with provincial environment ministers about Canada's climate change plans, and she intends to meet with them to discuss the issue in January.
