Better never than late!

Finally a 'response' from Ms. Ambrose to my email asking what the Tories intend to do about climate change. With such a late, meaningless reply, it would have been better to have sent me nothing at all! Anyway, if you care to read it, here it is. (I'm not sure what all the question marks were for - some strange formatting thing, or is she really that unsure of her own numbers?)

Ms. Neumann:

Thank you for your e-mail of April 14, regarding Canada?s intentions on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

I assure you that the Government is committed to addressing this important environmental issue. To do that, we need a new approach to reducing pollution and GHG emissions that is effective and realistic for Canada. We will develop solutions that involve all Canadians?the provinces and territories, stakeholders, the private sector and individuals.

In Budget 2006, the Government announced the first steps for a Made?in?Canada approach. A 15.5?percent tax credit for the purchase of monthly transit passes will start July 1. Up to $1.3 billion will be provided to support public transit capital investments. I am also leading the development of options for implementing a 5?percent average renewable content in Canadian motor fuels. Our government is consulting with the provinces and territories on how to move forward with this commitment.

To build on these initiatives, I will be working with my Cabinet colleagues to develop a plan that will have many benefits for Canadians, including: cleaner air and water to protect the health of families and their communities; opportunities to build a competitive and sustainable Canadian economy; energy security; development and use of new technologies; actions at the local level; and greater accountability to Canadians. Budget 2006 allocates $2 billion over the next five years to the Made?in?Canada approach to reducing pollution and GHG emissions.

I appreciate your taking the time to share your views, and hope that I can count on your support as we tackle this important work.

Yours sincerely,

Original signed by

Rona Ambrose