Province Agrees to National Implementation Strategy

ENVIRONMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES Province Agrees to National Implementation Strategy

Nova Scotia will work with the federal government and other provinces and territories in moving forward on climate change during a two-day meeting in Quebec City.

Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage and Environment and Labour Minister Angus MacIsaac agreed to the National Implementation Strategy on Climate Change and the first National Business Plan at the joint meeting of Ministers of Energy and Environment.

"All governments must participate if Canada is to do its part in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change," Mr. Fage said.

"Nova Scotia is committed to a national approach to climate change that offers all jurisdictions an avenue to contribute based on their respective circumstances and opportunities," Mr. MacIsaac said. "The national strategy and business plan are important first steps, but we are also preparing a Nova Scotian strategy. The province has made a contribution to act in partnership with other governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. Our strategy will expand on our contribution to the national plan."

A draft federal-provincial-territorial framework agreement was referred by the joint ministers to the respective governments for review and ratification. The joint ministers agreed to revisit the framework agreement at their next meeting.

"The federal-provincial-territorial agreement is fundamental and essential to the success of our efforts to address climate change," Mr. MacIsaac said.