| Not everyone is joining the Alberta government and the petroleum industry in criticizing Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s commitment to hold a parliamentary vote on the Kyoto Accord on climate change before the end of the year.
The Alberta-based Pembina Institute calls Kyoto an opportunity to implement new technology and make changes that could lead to job creation and cost savings. The organization released a report saying the accord could be a boon for the province’s economy if government takes the lead in implementing new measures and policies.
Pembina’s Marlo Reynolds stated that Kyoto will stimulate efficiency, innovation and business opportunities.
A number of other environmental groups flocked to support Chretien, saying the Alberta government should stop battling Ottawa and start combating emissions.
Gerry Scott, director of the Suzuki Foundation’s climate change campaign, said that setting an end-of-year target will force provincial leaders to take the issue seriously and work on an implementation plan.
An Ipsos Reid poll in May showed that more than 70 per cent of Albertans support ratification of the accord. |
