Minister David Heurtel to take part in World Summit Climate & Territories in Lyon

Québec City, June 26, 2015 – Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change David Heurtel will be in France June 29 to July 2 to take part in the World Summit on Climate and Territories in Lyon. The Summit, which will bring together 800 representatives of subnational and local governments, federated states, and non-state actors, is aimed at accelerating action to fight climate change, as international negotiations continue in view of reaching an ambitious climate agreement in Paris next December.

“Many federated states, regions, and cities are taking the lead in implementing concrete initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while developing a sustainable, green economy,” said Minister Heurtel. “The Summit is a great reminder of how important it is to take the role of federated states and regions into account in the future Paris agreement, as they often are—just as Québec is—pioneers in the fight against climate change.”

Minister Heurtel will speak at a number of workshops where he will have an opportunity to explain Québec’s vision for fighting climate change and highlight key measures it has taken, including the carbon market and its North American expansion.

“Thanks to the Green Fund, financed primarily by the carbon market, Québec is helping businesses, municipalities, and citizens transition to a low-carbon world,” he added. “By 2020 more than $3.3 billion will be invested in implementing measures under the 2013–2020 Climate Change Action Plan. In addition to promoting the recovery and sustainable development of our economy, these initiatives will help us fight climate change together and ensure the quality of life of our children.”

Before attending the Lyon Summit, Minister Heurtel will travel to Paris to meet with municipal elected officials, senior business executives, and researchers.

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Guillaume Bérubé

Press Officer

Office of the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change

Media Relations

Ministère du Développement durable,

de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre

les changements climatiques