Climate Change Vote Looming
Final Climate Change Vote Looms on 40th Earth Day
MP Hyer building on cross-party support for country’s only federal climate change bill
THUNDER BAY – On the 40th anniversary of the world’s first Earth Day, New Democrat Deputy Environment Critic Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay–Superior North) is busy building cross-party support for his private member’s bill, C-311 the Climate Change Accountability Act. The bill remains the country’s only climate change legislation before Parliament.
“Today, Thunder Bay joins cities across the world to celebrate Earth Day, a day that was started to inspire awareness for the Earth’s environment.” said Hyer, who was an organizer of the first Earth Day in 1970 in the U.S. Since then, the event has spread to more than 170 counties. “Sadly, Canadians haven’t had much to celebrate when it comes to the environment in recent years. From a government that’s been sabotaging our reputation and spoils negotiations on the world stage, to decades of foot-dragging on climate change plans, it’s been pretty grim.”
“But soon, Canadians may have a ray of hope.” Hyer added. “In only 9 days, Canada’s only federal climate change bill will face a final vote in Parliament. If it becomes law, it will finally legislate firm greenhouse gas pollution targets and make the government accountable to Canadians on climate change – ending years of delay.”
336 official Earth Day events are scheduled in communities across Canada with over 6 million Canadians expected to participate in some activity, including nearly every school child in the country, according to Earth Day Canada, a national environmental charity founded in 1990. Wide-ranging activities include everything from waterway spring clean-ups, to eco-fairs, to tree plantings, to public educational events on climate change, amongst others.
“This Earth Day, Canada’s Parliament has no more important duty than to ensure the Climate Change Accountability Act passes. There is no single bill before Parliament that is more important to the future health and prosperity of the country.” Hyer affirmed.
A last House of Commons debate on C-311 is expected at 5:30pm on Wednesday, April 28th. The final House vote on the bill is expected at 5:30pm on Wednesday, May 5th.
