MINISTER HEURTEL TO PROMOTE THE QUÉBEC-CALIFORNIA CARBON MARKET IN THE WESTERN U.S. AND MEXICO

Québec City, April 28, 2015 –The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, David Heurtel, will speak at Navigating the American Carbon World, one of the largest conferences on carbon markets in North America. Organized by the Climate Action Reserve (CAR), the event will be held from April 28 to 30 in Los Angeles. During his mission to the U.S. west coast, which will take place from April 27 to May 4, the Minister will work to strengthen Québec’s relations with partners in California, Washington and Oregon, as well as in Mexico, in addition to promoting Québec’s actions in the fight against climate change.

Minister Heurtel intends to take this opportunity to promote the Québec-California carbon market to potential partners. In this regard, Ontario’s recent announcement that it wants to adopt a cap-and-trade system compatible with the carbon market implemented by Québec and California could act as a catalyst for other US. states and Canadian provinces. “With Ontario’s participation, over 60% of the population and 50% of the Canadian economy will be taking part in the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) carbon market. The possibility of greater coverage makes the carbon market option even more attractive to potential partners,” he said.

It bears noting that in the United States, a bill was introduced in Washington State in December 2014 to establish a carbon market and is currently under review, and Oregon is assessing possible carbon pricing options. During his visit to the western U.S., the minister will have an opportunity to meet with the governors of both these states as well as with several organizations and influencers involved in the fight against climate change.

With the adoption of a new agreement on climate in Paris next December just a few months away, Minister Heurtel also wishes to underscore the important contribution being made by federated states in the fight against climate change. “Many federated states, regions and cities are demonstrating leadership by implementing concrete initiatives to reduce GHG emissions while at the same time developing a green and sustainable economy. As a result of the Green Fund, whose revenues derive mainly from the carbon market, Québec ranks among these leaders by supporting businesses, municipalities and Québec citizens in their transition to a lower carbon world. The amount allocated to the 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan is estimated to reach 3.3 billion dollars by 2020 and represents a powerful engine for economic recovery and job creation,” added Minister Heurtel.

The Minister’s visit to the capital of Mexico

Minister Heurtel will then go to Mexico City to strengthen Québec’s collaboration with that international partner and present the WCI carbon market’s features. Mexico stands out for its efforts to fight climate change and is currently examining various carbon-pricing mechanisms in order to set a price signal in its economy. It was also one of the first countries to announce its greenhouse gas emission reduction target in anticipation of the Paris Climate Conference.

The road to Paris

The minister’s mission is a follow-up to the April 14, 2015 Québec Summit on Climate Change to which Québec Premier Philippe Couillard convened his counterparts from the provinces and territories. Between now and the Paris Conference, Québec will participate in a series of national and international events in order to highlight Québec’s vitality and reiterate the importance of the role played by federated states and regions in the fight against climate change. Like Québec, they are often pioneers in this matter.

“The best road to take to Paris is to foster continent-wide dialogue on climate change. Together, we can fight climate change to protect our planet and ensure a quality of life for our children. It is in that spirit that I am undertaking this mission,” concluded Minister Heurtel.

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SOURCE:
Guillaume Bérubé
Press Officer
Cabinet of the Minister of Sustainable Development,
Environment and the Fight against Climate Change
Tel.: 418-521-3911

INFORMATION :
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