Opportunity for Climate Change Action

Last Minute Bulletin to Jubilee Campaigners, Climate Change Activists, all Canadians

Federal M.P. Visits

Now that your Member of Parliament is back home for the summer, consider how you can make a difference in Canada's performance at the upcoming international climate change negotiations and ensure that Canada takes steps to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

The next set of meetings of the COP (Conference of the Parties) is to be held in Bonn, Germany from July 16 - 27. Canada has an opportunity to show leadership in taking a strong stand for actual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, and to demonstrate its commitment to the implementation of the accord.

Our campaign has successfully influenced the Government to reaffirm its support for the Kyoto process in the face of U.S. opposition. BUT - Canada is the highest per capita emissions polluter in the world and the Government has been equivocal regarding what it is prepared to do about our own performance. It has recently declared its intention to meet the Kyoto targets of 6% reduction from 1990 levels. Because of the continuing growth in emissions since 1990, indications are that we need to reduce by at least 30% and better. If the proposed increased sales of energy to the U.S are approved, the needed reductions will climb to 44%.

Canada has yet to agree to strict rules on carbon trading and caps on flexibility mechanisms. It must urgently consider climate change impact, air quality issues and biodiversity as a whole and how they fit into Canada's policy priorities.

Let your M.P. know that you want to express your concerns and ask for a demonstration of their serious commitment on this issue. The best way to make a change in direction politically is pressure from the grassroots in home ridings.

Please take the time to let Canada's elected officials know that time is running out and that there is no good reason to delay undertaking the kind of radical change needed to curb our wastefulness, support alternatives, and reverse the trend.

Your actions so far have resulted in any positive changes that there have been. Remember to act soon: - make your appointment for a personal visit, with a group; - or a chat at the community barbeque or festival; - phone the constituency office nearest you; - send a letter, a fax or an email;

Asking your M.P.:

1. To personally commit to influencing the current government negotiating position for Bonn and demand it support strong Kyoto Protocol guidelines for implementation.
2. To call for the federal government to introduce legislation for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol when Parliament resumes.
3. To call for the announcement of immediate steps to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions at a rate that meets and exceeds the Kyoto targets.
4. To call for no increased exports of non-renewable energy to the U.S. until it ratifies the Kyoto Protocol.

You can follow up with a visit to your provincial or territorial members as well.