TORONTO (CP) - One of this country's most respected environmentalists took his concerns about Ottawa's greenhouse gas strategy straight to the environment minister.
David Suzuki confronted Environment Minister John Baird in the audience at an environmental consumer show in Toronto on Friday where both were speaking. Suzuki, who cut a path through the crowd to reach the minister, told Baird the regulations announced Thursday were a "disappointment."
When Baird replied the Conservatives were going further than any other government in Canadian history, Suzuki said it wasn't enough.
Suzuki added there is opportunity for further action.
The two men parted amicably enough, with Baird saying his ministry would be "very happy" to meet with Suzuki.
Earlier in the day, Suzuki said the federal strategy falls far short of expectations and proves the Conservatives are out of touch with Canadians.
He says it's not a strategy, it's a sham.
Suzuki says the government must meet the terms of the Kyoto Accord, but the Conservative plan would only achieve the targets by 2025 - which is 13 years too late.
Dubbed "Turning the Corner," the Conservative government strategy focuses equally on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
Everything from the efficiency of household dishwashers to the carbon dioxide emissions of Alberta's oil sands will fall under new regulations over the next several years.
Canadian households will also get hit in the pocketbook, with prices for appliances, cars and electricity expected to rise slightly.
Copyright © 2007 Canadian Press
