By Dennis Bueckert
OTTAWA (CP) - For the second time this month, Environment Minister Rona Ambrose has cancelled an appearance at a parliamentary committee on global warming, leaving critics to suggest the government is in disarray on the issue.
Ambrose was to appear before the House of Commons environment committee Tuesday to discuss an opposition bill which would force Ottawa to meet its commitments under the Kyoto protocol.
Bob Klager, a spokesman for Ambrose, blamed the last-minute cancellation on a scheduling conflict but wouldn't say what commitment had taken precedence.
John Bennett of the Climate Action Network suggested the minister is reluctant to face questions about apparent contradictions in the federal policy on Kyoto.
The government says it supports the Kyoto protocol, but rejects Canada's main commitment under the treaty - a six per cent cut in greenhouse emissions from 1990 levels by 2012.
"I would think that Mrs. Ambrose would not want to be questioned in any format where the audience is well informed and people get a chance to ask more than one question," said Bennett.
The committee went on to hear from Nancy Hughes Anthony of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce who called for less focus on emissions-cutting targets and more emphasis on adapting to the effects of global warming.
"Regardless of what actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to meet our Kyoto target, no action will be enough to stop the effects of climate change - it can only slow down those changes," she said.
"Canadians will need to anticipate the possible effects of climate change on our environment and natural resources and take the necessary and practical precautions or lifestyle changes necessary to address them."
Matthew Bramley of the Pembina Institute said the Kyoto goal can be achieved through the purchase of international emissions credits, which he acknowledged could cost $10 billion by 2012.
"Canadians constantly sends billions of dollars abroad in exchange for goods and services," he said. "Why not for environmental benefits?"
"It needs to be clearly understood that reducing greenhouse gas emissions in India, Kenya or Chile has precisely the same benefits in preventing climate change in Canada as reducing emissions here."
The process would also bring progress to poor countries while creating opportunities for Canadian business, he said.
In the Commons, Ambrose dismissed questions about her no-show at committee, saying she was "not able to make it today."
"As soon as we have set a new date, I look forward to meeting with them and sharing all the information I've accumulated to explain to the member why we cannot meet our Kyoto target," she said.
On Nov. 7, Ambrose cancelled an appearance before the Senate environment committee, also at the last minute.
That cancellation was blamed on the need to be present in the Commons for a vote, even though the NDP had offered to keep one of its members away to ensure no impact on the result.
Klager said the minister is hoping to reschedule both appearances.
Copyright © 2006 Canadian Press
OTTAWA (CP) - For the second time this month, Environment Minister Rona Ambrose has cancelled an appearance at a parliamentary committee on global warming, leaving critics to suggest the government is in disarray on the issue.
Ambrose was to appear before the House of Commons environment committee Tuesday to discuss an opposition bill which would force Ottawa to meet its commitments under the Kyoto protocol.
Bob Klager, a spokesman for Ambrose, blamed the last-minute cancellation on a scheduling conflict but wouldn't say what commitment had taken precedence.
John Bennett of the Climate Action Network suggested the minister is reluctant to face questions about apparent contradictions in the federal policy on Kyoto.
The government says it supports the Kyoto protocol, but rejects Canada's main commitment under the treaty - a six per cent cut in greenhouse emissions from 1990 levels by 2012.
"I would think that Mrs. Ambrose would not want to be questioned in any format where the audience is well informed and people get a chance to ask more than one question," said Bennett.
The committee went on to hear from Nancy Hughes Anthony of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce who called for less focus on emissions-cutting targets and more emphasis on adapting to the effects of global warming.
"Regardless of what actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to meet our Kyoto target, no action will be enough to stop the effects of climate change - it can only slow down those changes," she said.
"Canadians will need to anticipate the possible effects of climate change on our environment and natural resources and take the necessary and practical precautions or lifestyle changes necessary to address them."
Matthew Bramley of the Pembina Institute said the Kyoto goal can be achieved through the purchase of international emissions credits, which he acknowledged could cost $10 billion by 2012.
"Canadians constantly sends billions of dollars abroad in exchange for goods and services," he said. "Why not for environmental benefits?"
"It needs to be clearly understood that reducing greenhouse gas emissions in India, Kenya or Chile has precisely the same benefits in preventing climate change in Canada as reducing emissions here."
The process would also bring progress to poor countries while creating opportunities for Canadian business, he said.
In the Commons, Ambrose dismissed questions about her no-show at committee, saying she was "not able to make it today."
"As soon as we have set a new date, I look forward to meeting with them and sharing all the information I've accumulated to explain to the member why we cannot meet our Kyoto target," she said.
On Nov. 7, Ambrose cancelled an appearance before the Senate environment committee, also at the last minute.
That cancellation was blamed on the need to be present in the Commons for a vote, even though the NDP had offered to keep one of its members away to ensure no impact on the result.
Klager said the minister is hoping to reschedule both appearances.
Copyright © 2006 Canadian Press