News release

Workable Plan Needed for Kyoto

Premier's Office

Canadians must see a workable plan for implementing the Kyoto Accord before Ottawa ratifies the international deal, Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm said today, Oct. 9.

"Kyoto's objective is good. Nova Scotians want action on climate change. Our government is listening and we're acting," said the premier. "But before Ottawa acts, Canadians deserve to see all the information related to the impact of Kyoto. Ottawa must clearly show it has a workable plan that will protect our economy, our existing jobs and our future jobs."

In 2001, Nova Scotia signed a climate change action plan as part of the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers. Premier Hamm noted that the action plan has a number of advantages that the accord lacks.

"As a regional plan, it ensures that Nova Scotia shares in the benefits associated with the use of our natural gas. That replaces higher carbon-intensive fuels south of the border," added the premier. "But perhaps most importantly, our action plan is the only agreement with the support of U.S. jurisdictions. Meanwhile, Kyoto will not be ratified by our major trading partner. This makes it critical for Ottawa to share their plan for implementing this accord."

In a speech to the Canadian Offshore Resources Exhibition and Conference in Halifax, the premier cited the positive economic benefits Nova Scotia has enjoyed as a result of offshore natural gas. Since the summer of 1999, more than 20,000 new jobs have been created in Nova Scotia, 95 per cent of which are full-time jobs. Last year, Nova Scotia had the second-highest rate of economic growth in Canada, second only to Alberta. This past spring, the governor of the Bank of Canada noted that Nova Scotia's job numbers were at an all-time high and forecasted further growth due to the energy sector.

"Nova Scotians, and all Canadians, need an informed public debate on Kyoto that goes beyond the simple issue of voting yes or no," said the premier. "Nova Scotians must see a federal plan that details how rapidly we are expected to make progress on reducing emissions. Nova Scotians need details on what the economic impact will be on our province, our region and country. Nova Scotians must especially know how many jobs will be lost and where those jobs will be lost."

The premier reiterated the call of all provincial and territorial leaders this summer for a First Ministers' Meeting on climate change before the ratification of the Kyoto Accord.