October 23, 2007
Climate Change Leaders Promote North America's Green Future
WINNIPEG, Man.—Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell today reaffirmed their commitment to work together to deal with climate change and embrace the new economic opportunities associated with increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The three leaders, who are all members of the international Western Climate Initiative and the Climate Registry, spoke about the importance of positive leadership by regional governments in Canada and the United States at an event hosted jointly by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Manitoba.
“It was an honor to have Gov. Napolitano provide today’s keynote address. Her commitment to fighting the effects of climate change and the leadership she has demonstrated are to be commended,” Doer said. “Premier Campbell has provided significant leadership in Canada and he too recognizes the importance of working beyond our own borders on an issue with global impacts.”
“It is a privilege to work with Canadian provinces on an issue that is critically important to our future,” Napolitano said. “We can effect great change on a regional level, and we have agreed that the time to act is now.”
“Taking action on climate change requires a collaborative, continental approach that involves governments, industries and individuals,” Campbell said. “Manitoba, Arizona and British Columbia are committed to the pursuit of conservation and greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. By working together, we will foster not only broader
co-operation among our neighbours but innovation that will lead to economic opportunities.”
co-operation among our neighbours but innovation that will lead to economic opportunities.”
Manitoba, Arizona and B.C. are three members of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) which also includes the states of California, Washington, Oregon, Utah and New Mexico. WCI has established firm greenhouse gas reduction targets and committed to setting higher vehicle emission standards, sharing best practices, participating in the Climate Registry and designing a multi-sector, market-based mechanism to reduce emissions.
The speeches from the three leaders kicked off a day-long conference that brought together representatives from business, government, the transportation sector, the agricultural community, and First Nations and community leaders interested in exploring the challenges and opportunities of dealing with climate change and building a green economy.
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The Government of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of the Governments of Manitoba, British Columbia and Arizona.