LETTER

On the Paris Agreement

 

As a Liberal member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, and as an environmental lawyer now serving as Pontiac's MP, I feel compelled to deliver my views in response to the decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

While Canada is deeply disappointed that the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to work with our global partners to address climate change and promote clean growth.

Supported now by all but three countries in the world, the agreement was a signal to the market. Not only are countries around the world acting on climate change, so are businesses.

Businesses in Canada, the United States and around the world are investing in clean innovation – from renewable energy to zero emission vehicles to energy saving technologies.

They understand that tackling climate change is not only the right thing to do, it is good for business. As Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, “This is not only about the huge economic opportunities of clean growth and the need to address the pressing threats of climate change. This is about an ambitious and unshakeable desire to leave a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for our kids and for generations to come.”

Provinces, states, cities and communities are also acting to protect our planet. With or without the United States, the momentum around the Paris Agreement and climate action is unstoppable.

Canada will continue to take a leadership role to tackle climate change and grow a cleaner economy. We were proud to play a strong role in helping to negotiate an ambitious Paris Agreement.

In September, Canada, China and the European Union will co-host a Ministerial meeting to move forward on the Paris Agreement and clean growth. And in 2018, as G7 host, we will have a focus on climate change and clean energy.

Canada is committed to working with all partners to tackle climate change. We understand the huge economic opportunity of clean growth. And we want to leave a cleaner and healthier planet to our kids and grandkids.

We look forward to working with many states and US stakeholders to build these relationships, while protecting the environment. I am proud that Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to the Paris Agreement.

William Amos,
MP for Pontiac