Bill C-311: Climate Change Accountability Act back in the House

17 Dec Bill C-311: Climate Change Accountability Act back in the House

Bill C-311: Climate Change Accountability Act back in the House

How to compete with the international stage?  While all eyes were on Copenhagen, the federal Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development agreed to report Bill C-311 (Climate Change Accountability Act) back to Parliament without amendment.  The December 8th report means that the House of Commons could vote on effectively the same bill that it passed last session.  The bill would require government to publish a greenhouse gas reduction plan capable of meeting targets prescribed in the bill itself.   This limit on executive discretion  looks clairvoyant following December 14th statements by  Climate  Action Network Canada that a current draft plan cannot actually meet Canada’s proposal to the cop15.   The global audience fears a rerun, as Canada’s official plan has no capacity to honor the Kyoto Protocol.  With or without a new deal, returning delegates may face a legislature ready to bind policy with law.

For ELC comments on Bill-C311, see News Brief Vol24 No3.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.

As a charity, the Environmental Law Centre depends on your financial support. Help us to continue to educate and champion for strong environmental laws, through tools such as our blog and all of our other resources, so that all Albertans can enjoy a healthy environment. Your support makes a difference.
Donate online today