Dennis Bueckert
Canadian Press
Thursday, November 17, 2005

OTTAWA (CP) - In a seismic shift for the business community, some of Canada's most influential corporate leaders have issued a call for stronger action to fight climate change beyond the Kyoto protocol.

In a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin obtained by The Canadian Press, the heads of such companies as Alcan, Shell Canada, Bombardier, Power Corp. and Business Depot, come out solidly in support of the controversial climate treaty.

And they urge that Canada's climate-change plan extend beyond the 2008-2012 time frame of the Kyoto protocol.

"As corporate leaders representing a broad cross-section of the Canadian economy, we believe that all governments, corporations, consumers and citizens have responsibilities under the Kyoto Protocol," says the letter.

"The world must act urgently to stabilize the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and minimize the global impacts of climate change."

The corporate leaders say a strong response is required to the strengthening evidence in the scientific assessments of the UN International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

"We accept the IPCC consensus that climate change raises the risk of severe consequences for human health and security and the environment. We note that Canada is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change."

The comments could hardly signal a sharper contrast to the criticism and skepticism that have characterized business comment on the Kyoto treaty from the time that former prime minister Jean Chretien first announced Canadian ratification in 1997.

At the time, Thomas d'Aquino, president of the Business Council on National Issues, described Chretien's commitment as "unrealistic and void of any meaningful economic impact analysis."

Similar comments have continued to flow from many business groups, the Alberta government and the Conservative party, which continues to oppose the treaty.

In their letter to Martin, the CEOs say their companies are already working to reduce greenhouse emissions and to minimize the adverse impact of climate change, but need policy certainty to guide action for post-2012.

"We need a strategy now for the next 50 years, with short and medium-term targets to guide us. Governments must set clear markers along the way to unleash competitive market forces and allow the discovery of a long-term value for carbon emission reductions.

"Only then will we secure the deep reductions needed to prevent human interference with the climate system."

The letter is signed by the following CEOs: Travis Engen, Alcan; Bob Elton, BC Hydro; Laurent Beaudoin, Bombardier; Russel Horner, Catalyst Paper; Alban D'Amours, Desjardins Group; Doug Muzyka, E.I. Dupont Canada; Derek Pannell, Falconbridge; John R. Wells, Interface Americas; Brian Foody, Iogen; Jack Cogen, Natsource Asset Management; Andre Desmarais, Power Corp.; Clive Mather, Shell Canada; Frank Dottori, Tembec; George Cooke, Dominion of Canada General Insurance; Greg Hanson, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance.

The UK Government launched its new strategy for sustainable development, Securing The Future, in conjunction with a Strategic Framework on 7 March, 2005. To order a hard copy visit The Stationery Office website.

The Strategy takes account of developments since the 1999 Strategy, both domestically and internationally; the changed structure of government in the UK with devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; greater emphasis on delivery at regional level and the new relationship between government and local authorities.

It takes account of new policies since 1999, and it highlights the renewed international push for sustainable development from the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. The lead Department, Defra, chairs a Programme Board to oversee delivery of the Strategy, but all UK Departments share responsibility for making sustainable development a reality.

Securing the future - complete document (PDF, 9079kb)
Prime Minister's Foreword and Contents (PDF, 1588kb)
Executive Summary (PDF, 1466kb) - view summary in other languages
Chapter 1: A New Strategy (PDF, 435kb)
Chapter 2: Helping People Make Better Choices (PDF, 588kb)
Chapter 3: "OnePlanet Economy": Sustainable Consumption and Production (PDF, 400kb)
Chapter 4: Confronting the greatest threat: Climate Change and Energy (PDF, 845kb)
Chapter 5: A Future Without Regrets: Protecting Our Natural Resources and Enhancing the Environment (PDF, 1103kb)
Chapter 6: From Local to Global: Creating Sustainable Communities and a Fairer World (PDF, 1452kb)
Chapter 7: Ensuring it Happens (PDF, 425kb)
Annex A (PDF, 76kb)
Glossary (PDF, 185kb)
Regulatory Impact Assesment (PDF, 105kb)
Order this publication
Devolved Administrations
The Devolved Administrations are producing their own strategies.

Scotland
The Scottish Executive's vision, priorities and indicators for sustainable development were set out in 'Meeting the Needs' in April 2002, since when progress reports have been published annually. A Scottish sustainable development strategy will be developed, working closely with key stakeholders, during 2005.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/17108/7365

Wales
The National Assembly has a legal duty to develop a Scheme setting out how they will promote sustainable development in exercising all their functions. Their first two Schemes were launched in November 2000 and March 2004. Their programme for putting the new Scheme into effect is set out in their 'Sustainable Development Action Plan', published in October 2004.

http://www.wales.gov.uk/themessustainabledev/index.htm

Northern Ireland
The Administration is aiming to launch our own sustainable development strategy and supporting indicator set in 2005.