ENSU Committee Report
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Minority Report of the Official Opposition Members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development in Response to the Pre-Kyoto Climate Change Study
Recommendation 1 |
That the federal government, in cooperation with its partners, the provinces, industry and non-governmental organizations, pursue and encourage the necessary research for a better scientific understanding of the effects of rising emission levels on the environment, to determine the degree, if any, that the burning of fossil fuels effects climate, whether there is any correlation between human activity and changes to the environment, and to establish an effective solution to adequately address the situation . |
Recommendation 2 |
That the federal government take immediate action to provide Canadians with the adequate documentation to support its position on rising gas emissions and global warming to Canadians, and to inform Canadians on the possible economic and social effects of federal targets, and the implications of the possible strategies available to implement federally proposed targets. |
Recommendation 3 |
That the federal government take the necessary steps to consult Canadians on both the scientific data and the economic and social implications of target levels and the means to achieving targets before entering into an international legally binding commitment. The consultation process should be nationwide and should include both municipal and provincial representatives as well as industry and environmental groups, and should result in a consensus on the best course of action. |
Recommendation 4 |
That the federal government work with provincial governments in all steps of the decision-making process in regard to greenhouse gas reduction targets and implementation plans. Provincial ratification must be achieved before any plans are finalized for implementation. |
Recommendation 5 |
That the federal government undertake a detailed review of its Voluntary Challenge and Registry Program to include concrete targets and detailed action plans wherever possible, to achieve the most cost-effective methods of maximizing efficient energy use. |
Recommendation 6 |
As there is no evidence of any correlation between increasing taxes and reducing emissions, we recommend that the federal government avoid the use of coercive taxation measures as a "global warming" strategy. |
Recommendation 7 |
That the federal government take the necessary steps to ensure that a level playing field is achieved between developed and developing nations in international negotiations. Canada should not sign any legally binding treaty without the participation of the majority of nations who contribute to rising emission levels. |
Recommendation 8 |
That the federal government ensure that any international agreement to reduce emissions signed by Canada be in the best interests of Canadians, protects Canada’s economic growth and has minimal disruption to the income security and standard of living of Canadians. |