Canada's climate change dilemma and how to solve it

This article presented a climate change policy plan delivered as part of political campaign for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. The author proposed that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be radically reduced through the implementation of a system of enhanced regulations. It was argued that environmental sustainability has become an economic imperative as the climate changes and energy prices increase. The climate change policy plan addressed different sectors of the Canadian economy. Once enacted, the plan would enable average Canadian household to save $1000 per year on their electricity bills through a system of refundable tax credits for energy-efficient home retrofits and rebates and a new Green Mortgage plan. Targeted tax cuts of up to $2000 for fuel-efficient vehicles were proposed. The plan also included increased funding for research and development into renewable energy technologies; progressive environmental tax reforms; more stringent energy efficiency standards for appliances; and, an expansion of the use of biofuels in Canada by mandating a 10 per cent ethanol standard in gas, and 10 per cent in biodiesel by 2010. The plan would also create a functional carbon emissions market and renewable portfolio standard, as well as an expansion of the Wind Power Production Initiative (WPPI). Significant investment in the Strategic and Municipal Rural Infrastructure Funds to help protect municipal assets against extreme weather was proposed, as well as the development of a cap-and-trade program for smog-forming substances and the establishment of regulatory targets and timelines for the reduction of key air pollutants. A comprehensive water strategy to improve the management of critical water resources was outlined. Expansion of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, and the Green Municipal Fund was proposed. It was concluded that the new policy plan outlines will provide a roadmap for climate change activities in Canada. 1 fig