A Message from the Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development
by Thomas J. Mulcair
Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks;
Deputy Government House Leader
ince the adoption in 1992 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Québec has been an active participant in the battle against global warming.
It is determined to implement strategies and policies aimed at achieving, on its ter- ritory, Canada's target under the Kyoto Protocol of reducing its annual greenhouse gas emis- sions over the period 2008-2012 to a level 6 percent below Canada’s actual emissions in 1990.
Thanks to its hydroelectric development, which began in the early 1970s, Québec performs very well when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. Benefiting from consid- erable hydroelectric resources, a renewable form of energy, Québec produces two times fewer greenhouse gases per inhabitant than the Canadian average. Québec is therefore in an enviable position on the Canadian and North American scene.
Since 2000, the Government of Québec and its partners have taken many initiatives in connection with energy, transportation, industry, energy management, research and development, monitoring of climate change and its effects on the North in particular. In addition, thanks to the recent announcement of 2000 MW of wind power, by 2010 Québec will be the largest producer of wind power in Canada. This decision not only constitutes a measure for preserving the environment, it will also contribute to Québec’s economic development while furthering its achievements on addressing climate change.
In addition, last June I presented to the National Assembly a draft bill on Sustainable Development, which constitutes a commitment at the highest level of the Québec state to make sustainable development a reality. This project creates a new framework in which all ministries and governmental agencies will have to prepare sustainable development ac- tion plans and to submit annual progress reports. The bill, which will be the object of a parliamentary commission in autumn 2005, is the first of its kind in North America and is an historic step towards promoting sustainable development.
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Each member of our society has a role to play in leading a sustainable lifestyle, which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thereby limiting the repercussions linked to climate change. Every action, whether individual or collective, will enable the citizens of Québec to look forward to a better quality of life. By working together, through such forums as the JSDLP, we will succeed in improving our world sustainably and for the benefit of both present and future generations.
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