Premier responds to outcome of joint ministers� meeting

Premier Roger Grimes today reacted to the outcome of the joint ministers� meeting held yesterday in Halifax to discuss the draft federal climate change plan, the potential ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, and ways to address climate change in an effective and viable manner.

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews and Environment Minister Kevin Aylward were present at the meetings and provided the Premier with an update.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has always supported and will continue to support measures that will address climate change," said Premier Grimes. "However, we believe that the federal government is unnecessarily rushing the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol through a flawed process that does not involve meaningful consultations with the provinces and territories, nor does it address the economic concerns of many jurisdictions.

"While I am pleased that all provinces and territories were able to come together with one voice on key principles to addressing climate change, I was extremely disappointed to hear federal Environment Minister David Anderson state that the federal government would move forward with ratification by the end of the year regardless of any new proposals put forward by the provinces and territories.

"The provincial/territorial principles would ensure that all Canadians have an opportunity for input, and that federal, provincial and territorial governments work together to achieve a realistic plan. Should Ottawa continue to use December 31 as an arbitrary date for ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, a date that has no significance in enabling the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force, we cannot support ratification. This province will not support a unilateral, heavy-handed approach by the federal government that does not represent the views of Canadians.

"The draft federal plan on climate change is not a realistic approach to address the concerns of Canadians. We have asked the federal government to once again include the provinces and territories in a process of developing a national plan and convene a First Ministers meeting on climate change. Newfoundland and Labrador remains extremely concerned about the negative impacts that the Kyoto Protocol may have on this province�s economy and any future investment potential in our province. If the federal government is serious about working together to develop a national plan, the 12 principles unanimously put forward at yesterday�s meeting would be a good start to that process.

"The federal government has indicated that its analysis of the plan shows minimal negative impact on employment and economic growth. The assumptions underlying this analysis have such a significant level of uncertainty associated with them that little confidence can be placed on the results.

"The draft plan by the federal government�s own admission is incomplete and requires additional work, refinement, negotiation and consultation. This work simply cannot be completed in a matter of weeks. To base a ratification decision on a vague and incomplete plan, with flawed and unsubstantiated analysis is a blatant insult to every Canadian in every jurisdiction of the country."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2002 10 29                                        4:30 p.m.