Harper's Arrival

Posted at 04:47PM on Dec 17, 2009 by Devon Willis

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be in arriving in Copenhagen today -- or has already arrived. There are great expectations that the coming of world leaders in Copenhagen will bring the result that the world is looking for. While Stephen Harper is not expected to change the current government position on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, we are still hopeful that these reduction targets will change over the course of the next few days. Furthermore, the word is that he has yet to be seen at the COP – and he will not be making a speech. Minister Prentice will be making a speech later tonight. This is his speech...

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – December 17, 2009 – We have come to Copenhagen to secure a fair, effective and comprehensive climate change agreement. We need an agreement that will put us on a path toward ambitious reductions in greenhouse gases and sustainable, low-carbon economic growth. An agreement that will ensure a growing supply of clean, affordable energy for all countries. An agreement that brings countries together to address our shared global economic and environmental challenges.

Canadians of all ages and in all regions share a profound interest in contributing to effective global action on climate change.

A new global agreement should consist of a single, comprehensive undertaking that includes measurable, reportable and verifiable commitments and actions covering the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions in developed and developing countries.

To be as fair and effective as possible, a new global agreement should support mutual confidence, and encourage countries to assume increased ambition over time.

It needs to speed the development and deployment of clean, low-emitting technology.

And it needs to support enhanced global action to help the poorest and most vulnerable countries.

Canada is ready to contribute its fair share, as part of a comprehensive global agreement, including fast-start funding.

Achieving such an agreement will require a renewed commitment to work together, a renewed partnership among all nations and governments. It is only through the efforts of all of us that we can protect the most vulnerable among us, including those communities and ecosystems that depend on ice and snow.

Let me conclude by recognizing the United Nations and the Government of Denmark for their tireless efforts and leadership on climate change. Canada will continue to act at home, to align its policies and commitments with those of the Obama Administration, and to work in partnership with all countries, developed and developing, who are committed to effective global action on climate change.