Addressing Climate Change
All Canadians have an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment and adapting to the effects of climate change.
- In August 21010, Premiers announced that an online community of practice on climate change adaptation was launched in July. The online community, which will be initially sponsored by the Council of the Federation, will facilitate the sharing of knowledge among academics and experts across the country with the goal of assisting governments on climate change adaptation and supporting all provinces and territories in their efforts to incorporate climate change adaptation into planning and policies.
- In October 2009, Newfoundland and Labrador hosted a Forum on Large-Scale Hydroelectric Development as a means to meet the country’s future energy demand and environmental goals. Sponsored by the COF, the forum was designed to take a focused look at large-scale hydro in the context of addressing climate change, and how to advance development in a consultative and balanced manner. The Forum gathered delegates from the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organizations and industry associations.
- In November 2008, Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald hosted an Energy Efficiency Conference in Halifax. Sponsored by the COF, the conference provided an opportunity for all provinces and territories to learn more about successful energy-efficiency programs. Premier MacDonald was joined by NWT Premier Floyd Roland as well as Energy and Environment Ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and government program experts to discuss ways to help Canadians use less energy through energy efficiency and conservation.
- In July 2008, at the COF Summer Meeting in Québec City, Premiers focused their discussions on two important elements of addressing climate change: energy efficiency and green technologies.
Premiers released two documents at the 2008 Summer Meeting:
Climate Change: Fulfilling Council of the Federation Commitments
Canada’s Premiers: Taking Action on Climate Change – A Report on Progress Achieved Since August 2007
- In July 2008, at the COF Summer Meeting in Québec City, Premiers focused their discussions on two important elements of addressing climate change: energy efficiency and green technologies.
- In January 2008, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell hosted a COF Forum on Climate Change Adaptation in Vancouver.
- Climate change was also a main focus of discussions at the 2007 COF Summer Meeting in Moncton. A range of concrete actions designed to achieve the Premiers’ collective goals were set out in Climate Change: Leading Practices by Provincial and Territorial Governments in Canada, a document released at the 2007 Summer Meeting.
In recognition of the importance of addressing climate change, Premiers have decided to make climate change a central and ongoing agenda item at future meetings of the Council. This will build on the efforts already being undertaken within their respective jurisdictions.
For more information about what provinces and territories are doing about climate change, visit the links below:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Québec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
2010
Premiers Endorse Water Charter
2009
Premiers Focus on Innovation
2008
Energy Efficiency Best Practices Shared at Council of the Federation Conference
Premier Rodney MacDonald hosted a successful national energy efficiency conference on November 3-4, 2008 in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Climate Change: Fulfilling Council of the Federation Commitments
Canada’s Premiers: Taking Action on Climate Change – A Report on Progress Achieved Since August 2007
2007
August 10, 2007 - Council of the Federation Commits to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Climate Change: Leading Practices by Provincial and Territorial Governments in Canada