News release

Nova Scotia's Climate Change

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)
Natural Resources (to July 2018)

NATURAL RESOURCES/ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Nova Scotia's Climate Change


Nova Scotia's natural resources and environment ministers say they are now more hopeful that the federal government will agree to a full and frank discussion with Canadians, key stakeholders and provincial governments on ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

After attending the Joint Meeting of Energy and Environment Ministers in Victoria, David Morse, Minister of Environment and Labour, and Ernest Fage, Minister of Natural Resources, joined other provincial ministers to discuss Canada's plan of action.

"We are pleased all provinces agree on the need for prompt action on climate change, while balancing the economic and competitive concerns of Canada and each of the provinces and territories," said Mr. Morse.

Nova Scotia accepts the scientific consensus that climate change poses a real threat to our environment and some of the effects are already being felt, he said.

"But as it stands now, Nova Scotians and Canadians don't know enough about the potential costs of climate change initiatives," he said. "We need to take the time to educate Nova Scotians on how these measures will affect them."

Mr. Fage said the federal government is now willing to share its view of how Canada might achieve its greenhouse gas reductions under the Kyoto Protocol and to consult with all provinces, territories, stakeholders and the public.

"They have also reiterated their assurance that all jurisdictions and sectors will be treated fairly," he said. "We recognize the need for action on climate change and are willing to do our share, which is evident in the initiatives outlined in our energy strategy."

Nova Scotia will insist that any plan to achieve Canada's Kyoto target is analyzed to determine economic impacts on each jurisdiction, Mr. Fage said.

"This analysis needs to be in enough detail and done over a sufficient time frame so that we can understand the outcomes and know how Canadians will share the cost of greenhouse gas reduction," he said.

Mr. Morse said among the important considerations that must be addressed is that some jurisdictions, including Nova Scotia, are more dependent than others on fossil fuels to meet a significant portion of their energy needs.

Another key issue that must be considered is the effect the United States' position on addressing climate change might have on Canada's competitiveness with our largest trading partner, he said.