ACTION ALERT: The Climate Change Accountability Act is at a crucial moment and needs your support

October 16, 2009

This Wednesday, October 21st, Members of Parliament will vote on a proposed extension of study that means passage of the Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C-311) may be stalled until past December.

It is important for the Canadian delegation to arrive at the upcoming UN climate change conference talks in Copenhagen which run from December 7-18, 2009, with commitments to legally binding, science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The Council of Canadians is asking all Members of Parliament to oppose any extension that will delay the passage of the Climate Change Accountability Act. Instead, Members of Parliament must work together to ensure that Bill C-311is passed in time for Copenhagen.

Take action:

Use this action alert to send a letter to all Members of Parliament calling on them to support the Climate Change Accountability Act and oppose any extension that will delay its passage.

Background on Bill C-311:
On April 1, Bill C-311, The Climate Change Accountability Act, passed second reading with 141 votes in favour and 128 against. Since then, it has been tied up in the House Environment Committee. Bill C-311 needs to go before the House for a vote; then to the Senate for vote, before it returns back to the House to receive Royal Assent.
The Climate Change Accountability Act is legislation that will establish:

• A long-term target to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas emissions to 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
• A medium-term target to bring emissions 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

These targets are consistent with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the KYOTOplus campaign. To ensure a process for meeting these targets, the Act provides government authority for making regulations to meet the targets and sets penalties for contravening regulations passed under the Act. It also requires the Environment Minister to prepare five year plans for meeting these targets and reporting on progress.

---

SEND A LETTER NOW:

Subject
Recipients	BCC all MPs
Compose your letter in the box below.
Dear Member of Parliament, Canada and the world must address the climate crisis, one of the most urgent issues of our times. In just a few short weeks, more than 190 countries will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to forge a new global climate change agreement. Canada’s government continues to generate serious international criticism for its unconstructive role at climate negotiations. Failing to commit to needed domestic emission reduction targets, contribute our fair share to help Global South countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and permitting ongoing growth in the tar sands all add to our shameful reputation on climate issues. This must change. It is important for the Canadian delegation to arrive at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (December 7-18, 2009) with commitments to legally binding, science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets. Bill C-311, The Climate Change Accountability Act, compels the implementation of a comprehensive plan and a set reporting schedule to achieve emission reductions of 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050. I am concerned that our country has not already committed to the emission reduction targets this Act will establish, which are consistent with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Further delays are not an option given the gravity of the consequences of not acting on the climate crisis. This Wednesday, October 21st, Members of Parliament will vote on a proposed extension of study that means passage of Bill C-311 may be stalled until past December. I am asking that you oppose any extension that will delay the passage of the Climate Change Accountability Act and ensure that Bill C-311 is passed in time for Copenhagen. Canada should be playing a leading role in Copenhagen. Passage of this crucial legislation before the talks in Copenhagen is an important step in the right direction. Sincerely,
Name
Email address
Address: City/town Province/territory Postal code
Stay informed:	(Check this box to receive the Council of Canadians e-Newsletter)
Anti-Spam Test: In order to combat increasing spam rates, we've added a visual check our Action Alert forms. Please enter the words to the right in the text box provided. If you have trouble reading the words, you can refresh ( ) or choose to hear an audio challenge ( ) instead.
	* Please note that we've been experiencing a high volume of email submissions. When you press "Send letter", you should land on our "thank you" page. Even if you don't see the "thank you" message, your email will still be sent as soon as the server is free, and you may close the window. If you have any questions, or would like verification that your email was submitted successfully, please email webmaster@canadians.org.