A new engagement tool to allow Canadians to share their ideas and solutions on climate change
OTTAWA, April 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, will mark Earth Day on April 22 by attending the Paris Agreement signing ceremony at the United Nations in New York alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, at which time Canada and other countries will formally accept the Agreement, adopted last December.
On Earth Day, Canadians will also witness the launch of a new interactive website to seek input from Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, on how to address climate change and promote clean growth.
This engagement tool will allow Canadians to be part of a national conversation on climate change, share their ideas and see what others are saying. This is an opportunity to provide feedback on what individuals, families, organizations, communities, businesses and governments can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Engaging the public is an essential part of developing a Canadian plan on clean growth and climate change, and builds on the Vancouver Declaration adopted by First Ministers at their meeting on March 3, 2016.
Contributions received via the interactive website will be reviewed by members of the four different working groups that have been created to provide recommendations to First Ministers on:
- how and where to reduce emissions
- ideas for new innovation, technology and job creation
- how to put a price on carbon
- preparing for the impacts of climate change
Canadians are encouraged to submit ideas online by June 1, 2016, in order for them to be reviewed by working group members. However, it should be noted that the Government of Canada will continue to accept ideas after this date.
The website will also offer Canadians the tools they need to hold town halls to engage their communities from the grassroots.
"Engaging Canadians on our plans and efforts to address climate change is something I view as essential, and I hope that Canadians from coast to coast to coast will take part in our efforts to create a climate‑smart economy and country.
"Tomorrow, we will sign the historic Paris climate change agreement, a fitting celebration for Earth Day. I encourage everyone to join the online conversation and be part of the solution by making your suggestions online or hosting a town hall on climate change and clean growth in your communities."
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
There are several ways Canadians can participate:
- Submissions can be made online through www.canada.ca/climateaction
- Canadians may also attend the town hall events planned at locations near them.
- Canadians can also reach out on Twitter, using the hashtag #CanClimateAction.
Joint Communiqué of Canada's First Ministers
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
For further information: Contacts: Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338