Elizabeth May Surprised Justin Trudeau has Ducked Critical Need for Federal Action on Carbon Pricing

(OTTAWA) - As the other federal party leaders waver on their commitments to regulate carbon emissions, Elizabeth May remains the only leader lay out an up-to-date and sensible plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.  

"I am surprised that Justin Trudeau has decided that he would leave it up to the provinces by suggesting that the federal government should no longer lead a national approach to deal with carbon polluters,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands. “A patchwork solution of provincial targets is an admission of defeat and a statement that we have failed our children and grandchildren."

The Green Party is committed to establishing a national carbon-pricing system in conjunction with the provincial and territorial governments.

"We now have two federal parties that have shown no leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as both the Harper Conservatives and Trudeau's Liberals say that they are leaving it to the provinces," added Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Superior North. "Meanwhile, the NDP's expensive Cap and Trade is outdated and seriously flawed, leaving the Green Party's Carbon Fee and Dividend as the only effective and practical plan. The dividend would go directly to Canadian families, reducing carbon emissions and poverty simultaneously."

"Thanks to the Harper Conservatives, we already have a National pipeline pollution plan. What we need now is a Canada-wide carbon pollution reduction plan to fight climate change,” concluded Daniel Green, Deputy Leader of the Green Party. “The provinces cannot reduce carbon emissions on their own."

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 For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca