(OTTAWA) – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich–Gulf Islands), issued the following statement on International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer:
“The Montreal Protocol is the single most effective global environmental treaty. Without it we would be dealing with a disappearing ozone layer threatening all life on earth. As Senior Policy Advisor to the Environment Minister, I was part of Canada's negotiating team in Montreal and I know that when Canada takes the lead, other countries will follow,” said May.
“The Montreal Protocol established a framework where industrialized nations went first in cutting ozone-depleting substances, developing countries followed, and targets were based on science. It had what Kyoto lacked –an effective enforcement mechanism that allowed trade sanctions against any country that failed to meet the terms of the agreement. It stopped the increasing flow of ozone-depleting substances to the stratosphere and has contributed substantially to reducing global warming.”
“The December 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris is another opportunity for Canada to make a profound impact on climate change. We accomplished great things in 1987 and I am confident that Canada can be an international leader once again. I hope that with more Green MPs in parliament we will be able to take steps for bold climate action and reverse Stephen Harper’s assault on the environment.”
-30-
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)
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447