October 31, 2018 – Gatineau, Quebec
Canadians are seeing the costs of climate change first-hand, from devastating wildfires and droughts to flooding and heatwaves. Canadians also see the costs in increased health problems, like asthma and chronic lung and heart disease. We need to take serious action now to reduce carbon pollution and fight climate change if we don't want to leave our children and grandchildren with an unpayable debt.
Canadians understand that pollution isn't free and that pollution doesn't know borders. For two years, the Government has worked with provinces and territories to design their own plans that reduce carbon pollution by putting a price on it. Many provinces have stepped up and shown leadership. Last week, the Government of Canada confirmed that, in 2019, there will be a price on carbon pollution across Canada and announced how it will apply in jurisdictions that have decided not to put their own price on pollution.
In April of this year, Saskatchewan launched a court challenge opposing the Government of Canada's plan. Yesterday, the Attorney General of Canada filed our response in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The Government of Canada's response sets out the facts and legal arguments in support of its position that the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act is validly enacted under Parliament's power to pass laws for peace, order, and good government on matters of national concern. Old or young, rich or poor, urban or rural, living in Canada's south or north, we are all affected by carbon pollution.
This month's United Nations climate change report was unequivocal in its call to action to avert catastrophic impacts from climate change. Canada is among 195 countries that have committed to reaching that goal through the Paris Agreement.
Climate change is the biggest challenge of our generation, but it is also the biggest opportunity. By investing in clean solutions now, Canada can be a leader in the $26 trillion clean economy and create the jobs of tomorrow. We can also improve health outcomes for Canadians and leave a cleaner environment for future generations.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with all provinces and territories to protect the environment and fight climate change to leave a better future for our children and grandchildren.