France, China, Japan hammer Canada over Kyoto

Environment Minister Peter Kent says Canada has come away from the climate conference in Durban recognized as a leader in terms of a new generation of climage change. He says he's proud of Canada's natural resources and how they exploit them.

CTV National News: Is Canada saving money?

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife discusses whether or not quitting Kyoto will save Canada $14 billion.

CTV National News: Canada first to quit Kyoto

Canada now stands alone as the first country to shut the door on Kyoto, walking away from the agreement for being too costly. CTV's Daniele Hamamdjian reports.

National Affairs: Durban deal preserves Kyoto

Keith Stewart with Greenpeace Canada and Kathryn Marshall with EthicalOil.org discuss the climate conference, and what has come from it.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Gas burns from a flare stack at Imperial Oil's refinery in Dartmouth, N.S. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011. The United Nations and China have asked the Conservative government to reconsider its decision to pull Canada out of the Kyoto Protocol climate treaty. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Tue. Dec. 13 2011 10:59 PM ET

The international community, as well as opposition MPs, took aim at the Harper government Tuesday over its announcement that Canada intends to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol.

France, China and Japan all criticized the Canadian government's decision to pull out of the international climate-change accord, a move announced by Environment Minister Peter Kent on Monday.

A spokesperson for France's foreign ministry said Tuesday the decision is "bad news for the fight against climate change," while a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry called the move "regrettable and flies in the face of the efforts of the international community."

Goshi Hosono, Japan's environment minister, encouraged the Conservative government to reconsider its position.

Kent announced Monday that Canada would formally withdraw from Kyoto, saying the deal wasn't an effective global solution to climate change and perhaps even, "an impediment."

Kent's announcement came a day after a 194-party climate change conference in Durban, South Africa agreed to start negotiating a new deal to fight climate change. The fresh accord is scheduled to take effect by 2020 at the latest.

In the days leading up to the conference, Kent had repeatedly said the Kyoto accord "was in the past," and said Canada would not sign on to an extension of the deal.

The government came under fire for its announcement during question period in the House of Commons Tuesday.

Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel accused the Conservatives of "turning their back on the world" and "betraying future generations."

"They have set up bogus targets and are not even a quarter of the way towards meeting this lame attempt at saving face," Turmel said. "When will the prime minister take climate change seriously?"

Prime Minister Stephen Harper defended his government's record on the environment file, saying Canadian officials are working on the creation of an international protocol that will include all major emitters.

"What this government does not favour, what this government has never favoured and been very clear on, is we do not agree with a protocol that only controls a little bit of global emissions, not enough to actually make any difference but enough to transfer Canadian jobs overseas," he said. "We will never agree to that."

Also during question period, Kent defended the government's efforts to beef up environmental protections and enforcement after NDP MP Megan Leslie cited a report by the environment commissioner that said the Conservatives are falling behind in those areas.

Kent said the government accepts the commissioner's recommendations that it can do more to "address enforceability issues," but pointed out that they have increased enforcement capacity by 50 per cent since 2007.

The Liberals released a statement Tuesday saying the decision to pull out of Kyoto "has damaged our international reputation and made Canada a laughingstock."

May says Ottawa breaking the law

Meanwhile, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is charging that the Conservative government is breaking the law by withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol.

During a Tuesday news conference, May said Harper's government is breaching a domestic law in its decision to leave the international accord.

"The Kyoto Implementation Act was passed by the House of Commons in 2007 and has royal assent," she said. "It requires Canada to continue reporting and doing its job, fulfilling its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol."

A representative of the Green Party of Canada told CTVNews.ca that the Harper government is violating the Kyoto Implementation Act, according to an Oct. 4 report from Environment Commissioner Scott Vaughan.

May has referred to the timing of the withdrawal as perverse and said she believes the decision is tarnishing Canada's reputation on the world stage.

Kent had said that Canada will save $14 billion by withdrawing and dodging potential penalties associated with not meeting emissions targets. That total, however, has been under dispute.

"Staying in the Kyoto Protocol will not cost us a cent," May said in a released statement. "What will cost billions is if we do nothing to address climate change."

According to May, there is still time for Canada to reverse it's stance on the Kyoto deal. She said the nation's "legal intent to withdraw" letter doesn't take effect for a year.

Comments are now closed for this story

Mark in Newmarket
said

Who is China to hammer us? They're the worst polluters in the world. Who is France to hammer us? They are one of the worst polluters in the world, you can't even drink the stinking water there. Who is Japan to hammer Canada? They're nuclear reactors are leaking radioactive material into the ocean. The Kyoto accord is simply a political target in which Canada cannot achieve under the current rules, it is impossible. When the targets were set even back then we knew they were unachievable and everyone knew it.

Annette
said

France, China, Japan have no room to talk,they are the biggest polluters What a laugh.The Liberals should not have entered such a deal. We can use the billions of dollars right here.

Karolinka
said

Reading some of these comments reminds me of why I left Canada 15 years ago. I want to be a member of the world, not of some parochial backwater full of self-righteous, unthinking, completely out of touch bumpkins with an over-inflated sense of entitlement (this, by the way, is how Canadians are seen by the rest of the world). Apologies to those intelligent and very worthy Canadians who are truly concerned about the earth's future and Canada's international reputation and who are marginalised by in the press and by their countrymen and women.

Mac
said

Maybe instead of Canada to keep walking with this "global economy/Community" and wait to see what THEY wanna do, maybe we should take it on ourselves to be leaders in this matter and start making our own domestic protocols instead of waiting to see what the US or China, or whoever.

Lets just get our own goals and forget about what the rest of the world is doing. When we achieve our own goals, we then have done our part and it's time for the rest of the world to start doing so.

andrew
said

Canada used to be respected in the world. Not Now...... Please note that in the past 4 years Canada has deteroriated. 1. Loss of Freedom. 2. Loss of wages. 3. Loss of self respect. 4. Loss of Compassion. What we must do........ 1. Lead the world in rebuilding humbleness. 2. Help the under privaleged. 3. Help the environment, because we damaged everything... 4. Regain our self respect....................................

robpirog
said

It is a national embarrassment when a wealthy country such as ours doesn't even try to meet an international obligation and is the first to withdraw from that commitment. While other nations (even China!) take modest steps to reduce per capita emissions and become technological leaders in clean energy, we blindly continue along a path that is leading to innovative and entrepreneurial weakness and ultimately a lower relative standard of living for our children and grand children. Kyoto was an opportunity, not a hindrance as many uninformed here claim.

simone
said

China condemning Canada is a bit of a stretch on their part don't you think. I know let's put sanctions on ALL the products we purchase from them. This includes all the toys with lead content they ship here. OH YIKES do you suppose that would lower their criticism. It is a nation built solely on money. Humanity not so much!Look at the number of people immigrating to here from there. Wonder why?

Marc
said

Hypocrites much? China is overpopulated and draining their natural resources at record speed, while Japan hunts whales to the brink of extinction.Stay the course, don't give into the hypocrites.

joh
said

France has ignored treaties for year. Nuclear testing in the Pacific, why do they have colonies in the St Lawerence Seaway. China just plain things that the world owes it. Japan is raping our oceans and hunting whales. NONE OF THES NATIONS HAVE ROOM TO TALK!

Vincent
said

To all conservatives, in case you haven't heard, the Petroleum Institute is pleased with the government's decision. Is this who you all support? Says a lot about you.

Phil Barrie
said

The ice will melt anyway and we will gain access to even more resources. I am not happy about it but is is that simple. Will we stop living in a fairytale world where we think we will not be challenged or will we actually take our sovereignty seriously? With the money that the Harper government has saved us all lets please put a reasonable amount into defense and infrastructure in the north. If we don�t my sons generation will be losers in terms of not only the land and resources they we have given away but also the pride that they could no longer feel as Canadians.We should thank the government for saving our money and stand behind them and the Canada First Defense Strategy. As Canadians it is very nice to say that we can look at the world through rosy glasses however, countries like Russia and China to a lesser extent are far more aggressive in their nature and outlook on the world.

Gorg
said

China has no right to criticize anybody else before correcting what's in their backyard.

Eric
said

Neocons calling climate research "bad science" like a child thinking his mother is evil because she gives them a bedtime. Before you neocons post anymore "educated" assesments, I implore you, look at climate history the past 100 000 years (this may be difficult if you still believe earth is 5000 years old) from an academic research paper and you may be surprised. It is incredibly sad this has become a right vs. left issue

paul
said

The Canadian government is not Canada. You don't speak for me, I didn't vote for you. Next time you decide what Canada thinks, let us vote on it.Too many polititions tell us what we want instead of asking.I thought the Mulrooney kind of Government was over in Canada. Looks like the same old thing has crept back into this country.

Mark
said

The world is getting tired of Canada's apathy and self centered greed to the point that Canada wants to destroy the world and exterminate the fture of the earth and its life. If Canada cares so little about life then it doesn't deserve to have a country on this earth.

Freeman
said

Cough, cough, sputter, sputter, hack, hack. China's emissions are choking me up! That's 13 times more than Canada's. As for Japan and France complaining??? It just gives me a warm radiant glow.
So much for our betters lecturing us poor colonials.

mark
said

Canada is not responsible.. Canada is not answerable.. Canada will destroy all life on earth even for its own children as long as it can make a dollar. What a repulsive psychopathic country.

KevinHamilton
said

Sadly, Mr. Kent couldn't even make the announcement in Durban even though the government had already planned on pulling out of Kyoto before hand as CTV reported. He knew he'd be even more of a laughing stock if he announced it in front of his counter-parts. Thanks for further ruining the Canadian image, Harper! You're doing us no favours!

Patrick Murphy
said

The Kyoto Protocol is an idea that has become irrelevant in 2011.....With world population now exeeding 7 billion people and no slowdown in sight, we are all riding a runaway freight train towards environmental disaster...Until population growth and the demand for products that this growth generates is at least steadied, there will continue to be greater amounts of GHS emmissions....It's a numbers game we can't win.

mgbincn
said

Finally! A good decision from the clowns that make-up the Canadian government!

Mo
said

China collectively's done more than Canada to address greenhouse gas emissions. They've earnt their right to be able to criticize Canada for this. Regardless, they're also a developing country and dont have the luxury we do. It's a terrible standard to think we cant do anything if China "isnt" considering for a developing country, they've been much more proactive than us.As for those criticizing bad science, the challenge is in proving global warming is happening now, because it's practically impossible to prove. On the other hand, science has clearly shown without a doubt that the greenhouse effect is real. This is a point that the climate change naysayers seem to always miss. The science isn't exactly absent; the chemistry's there.And people keep referring to Canada's actions are insignificant as they're only 2% of global emissions, but the reality is Canada's also become a roadblock for other nations to collectively take action as a result of their stance. This alone along with Canada's international impact account for more than a 2%.

Lz in Edmonton
said

75% of France power is nuclear. Japan had 50% come from nuclear, and China.... Who thinks China is clean. As for the nuclear thing, has that working for the two?

One of the best
said

To Steve H; Before you comment on the Canadian economy, ,you shoud read the Financial/Business Weekly. Canada is listed as having one of the strongest & most stable economies in the world.

JC
said

Hey they can complain all they want, but Canada sits on-top of the second largest known oil reserve in the world, so they can walk out of any negotiations with their middle finger pointed up. Ya they'll take some heat from these countries but its funny how all of these countries will soon come back when they need our resources. Grand posturing and deflections for political points back home. Every single country trashing us pollutes more than us. CANADA = 2% of the worlds CO2 output, enough said.

Peter
said

Global Warming ?Another "invented problem", allowing some ------ Mr Gore, his buddies in "green industries, and also a whole bunch of scientists_____ to profit at the expense of the average Canadian.IF we believe scientists, then our whole country was covered in an ice sheet thousands of years ago. Industrialised human occupation came maybe 300 years ago, and now WE are the problem? Get real, people.

Dave in Edm
said

Who care what the rest of the world thinks, they probably believe the world is older than 6,000 years old as well...

Redneck Albertan
said

1) We are a producer of raw materials for world consumption. The size of our country and lack of population (read; domestic market) forces us to run our economy that way in order to live the lifestyles we do.2) China lecturing us on pollution of any kind is akin to taking human rights lessons from Bashar al-Assad. 3) France and Japan are (reasonably) densely populated countries with few natural and energy resources. What they do mine is significantly smaller on a GDP basis than Canada. Their arguments may play well to the folks at home, but they mean little here.Our government did the right thing.

J.C.
said

So much controversy over the environment-global warming and what causes it etc. It seems even scientists cannot agree on it. In my opinion any changes made should be made by all the countries polluting the earth otherwise what good does it do if we in Canada reduce ours while other countries increase theirs? If Canada keeps buying other countries emission credits but the pollution is not reduced, then why pay them?? I agree that pollution should be reduced however I see no point in exchanging or buying carbon credits. I don't see how that benefits the world reductions! Kyoto is about to extend its program, but Canada does not wish to extend their membership but would rather include more countries to make a difference world wide. What is so wrong about that?? I really do not see what all the complaints are about. They did not say they would not seek reductions, at least not according to what I read in this article.

FCS
said

As I contemplate my rising utility bills this Christmas I can't help but think how little I care about Canada's image being "tarnished" on the worlds stage. I"m all for cutting our emmissions as much as possible but I"m not prepared to pay through the nose so people like MS May can sleep better at night knowing communist China isn't mad at us. Until a real plan is put in place supported by all countries producing CO2 then this will be a non issue to most people who have actual real life to deal with.

Mq
said

What this government does not favour, what this government has never favoured and been very clear on, is we do not agree with a protocol that only controls a little bit of global emissions, not enough to actually make any difference but enough to transfer Canadian jobs overseas," he said. "We will never agree to that."If anyone question this, you are traitors to Canada. You and your kind are the ones responsible for the almost total collapse of our manufacturing industry. All so you can ship those jobs off to china, the same china that causes the most harm your fighting about. If most of you were standing in front me, I'd have slapped you for being so inept.

danR
said

Canada is not answerable to this stunningly powerful thrall of bad science, and worse statistics.

If 2.3 sigma isn't sufficient to establish a confidence level for the Higgs boson, hardly over 1 does not warrant a trillion+ global economic hysteria over a single statistical run.

The U.N. asked the academics to stop the advocacy drivel, and they haven't paid the least attention. Canada might want to reconsider where our university funding should go in the future, as a consequence.

Eric Pettigrew
said

We as canadians deal with some of the worst climates stretched across some of the furthest terrains in the world. There is a reason we have higher "per capita" emissions and that is based on the lives we all need to live in order to keep this economy running, ie. driving to work in minus 40 conditions. Sure you could take the bus, car pool, or if you're lucky enough take a train, but many places just don't have the systems in place, or the workplace is just too out of the way for it to be cost effective. Not only is transportation still a big issue here, energy in the form of heat is a much bigger problem here than most temperate climates of kyoto. Why would we sign an agreement that's going to force us to pay if we don't hold our end of the bargain? It's like gambling with our tax dollars, the intent is there but where is the logic? Why don't we fund and fight our own issues, or at least have a plan in place that says we'll actually meet these requirements before we sign off on something we know we can't do. That, and work out a different system of measuring emissions per capita because each country has their own set of energy issues.

Mike D.
said

Excellent point Hilton, on a per capita basis we pollute way more than almost all other countries. While China and others may not have the best environmental track record, as a well-developed, democratic country Canada should step up and take on a leadership role. Shame on those of us who feel a right to continue emitting pollutants, and more shame on the conservative government for catering to the interest of big oil.

Canada is NOT wrong!
said

Reputation in the world is as important as Gold medals at the Olympics! It does not put bread on the table! All it does is take money out of my pocket to fund something that I couldn't care less about! Between you and me, I would much rather have more money in my pocket to have a bigger house, a newer car, or even go on vacation! Let's be realistic, per capita Canada may be one of the worst offenders. However we export lots of those products that create those gases. Therefore its those consuming counties that ought to pay the price, NOT Canada!

Gregory J Galante in the Hammer
said

Boo Hoo Comparing per capita emissions from Canada to Japan and China and France is ridiculous. Half of the Arctic is in Canada and all of our country is North of most of the places sited. Canada emits 2% of global ghg. We could shut everything down tomorrow and it wouldn't make a bit of difference. China criticizing us is rich. Seen Beijing lately? They shut the airport down the other day because the air was so smoggy the planes couldnt fly. The government called a spade a spade and did the right thing. Kyoto was a joke from the beginning and never achievable. Until the U.S., China , and India sign and participate in an agreement, everyone else is just peeing into the wind.

ivanhoe5
said

Of course China is going to criticize Canada, as we are saying the obvious that China is the world�s largest polluter by far, and one coal fired generator in China produces more Green House Gasses than the entire Canadian Oil Sands project. The issue, it that China which is also the second largest economy in the world, and the largest exporter is also the worlds dirtiest producer of exports creating a larger carbon output per unit of production than any other nation. So if you are truly an environmentalist, do not buy anything from China, as if you do you are complicit in the massive pollution per unit of production.

Rev in VC
said

Meh, if I've learned anything about international politics, its stuff like this will be forgotten and forgiven soon enough. I mean, remember the whole Israeli flotilla incident? People actually got killed there. Global condemnation at first, but nobody remembers that incident these days unless you remind them via newscasts or actually mention it. But otherwise, nobody's really chastising israel over it anymore. Canada pulling out Kyoto which has proven to be ineffective? China of all nations criticizing us when they pretty much didn't even sign on? News fodder today, pretty much forgotten tomorrow. All it takes is another eurozone/greece scare and it'll be yesterdays news.

Irene
said

Re history and "Norsemen"...Have you noticed they didn't stay? They died or left. I know my history too, especially as I'm one of the descendants of those "Norsemen".

Irene
said

I'll be waiting for that new protocol. Deliver, boys and girls. That will be the proof of the pudding. Otherwise, everything else is just more hot air, and that we don't need more of. In the meantime, it is up to every Canadian to do what they can as well. We can't expect 200-300 politicos and the staff attached to them to do it all for us. Time to get real.

Robin The Serious Canadian
said

I hear a lot of shining about Kyoto but lets put it in perspective: Chretian had no intention to keep it and by the time Harper took over we were so far behind it was unachievable. Now so called 'developing' countries like India and China want us to lose tens of thousands of Canadian jobs by paying them not once but every year for their carbon credits because of the Liberals. This deal STANK and only idiots who think the country runs on eco-friendly fairy dust think otherwise. Goodbye and good riddance to Kyoto.

Edward Vella
said

Ridiculous posts on this thread. The rest of the world now considers Canada freaks. In the same category as Putin's Russia. In one fell swoop, we have alienated all of our closet allies (except perhaps Israel which is still in Kyoto). China for god's sake has seen fit to criticize us!! Instead of giving us stability this government has given Canadians anything but.

Hilton Shand
said

On a per capita basis Canada produces 23 tonne CO2 per year, making Canada the 8th largest emitter on a per capita basis. (Following, from largest to smallest Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Australia, Bahrain, USA). On a per capita basis Japan ranks 37th, producing 11 tonne per year, France ranks 47th producing 9 tonne per year, China ranks 72nd producing 6 tonne per year. Japan has reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 5% since 1990, France has reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 8% since 1990. Europe has reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 17% since 1990. Canada has increase Greenhouse Gasses by 17%. In total, China may be the worlds largest emitter of Greenhouse Gasses, but this is No Excuse for Canada to not reduce its very high per capita Greenhouse Gas emissions

cis in dublin shore ns
said

Please before promoting the global warming scam please read your history check out the history of the Norsemen they wandered the north Atlantic long ago and were further north than we can get now. tells you something doesn't it

Marian
said

While we're all busy pointing fingers at China, let's remind ourselves who buys the stuff that China manufactures. It's you and me and the rest of the relatively wealthy shoppers in industrialized nations who drive that massive polluting, green-house gas emitting engine. It's a convenient, self-serving, and juvenile lapse of logic to ignore that fundamental point.

Vanc Guy
said

Chretien signed us up knowing full well we couldn't participate to that level - he got a medal for that? At least our government (it is OUR government) is being honest this time around. People that are serious about this issue should be applauding.

Jim in Saskatoon
said

At this time in response to the out cry from the world's biggest polluators we should set a new set of standards for Canadian industry to meet within the next five years. To cover the cost of the changes we should add it directly onto all exports to the worlds worst (China, United States, Russia, Japan and India). By improving our record we will force the others to follow suit.

Victor in Vaughan
said

China said what ?I find it regrettable that China didn't sign onto Kyoto so they could really be seen as a global powerhouse and not just a international discounted manufacturer.

Steve H
said

The conservatives have destroyed our economy, now they're destroying the rest of our reputation with countries around the world. Soon we won't have any trading partners except what we import from China.

Phil from Barrie
said

Kyoto dosen't help our environment as much as it hurts our economy. You will thank them in the future for not sticking with this silly document.

Phil
said

China thinks thay can tell us how to deal with our environment and they get angry when Harper tells them they have a bad human rights record. Who care what thes silly countries say. They only want us to keep sending $$$$$ to all of the poor countries in order to help them change. Our government wants to compete on a level playing field and not send mass amounts of money to countries that likely don't use it for the intended purpose. Good job. It is about time we thought about ourselves and not the silly opinions of other countries.

Lee
said

When one says the vast majority of responses support Canada's withdraw - you are forgetting the vast majority of responses come from "paid- for" Harperites whose job it is to overwhelm comment boards with their message. I take what is said on these boards with a grain-of-salt and believe the majority of Canadians support vision, creativity and real leadership - in other words everything but this Reform Party Government. These folks are not Conservatives - sorry Conservatives they took over your once great party

frank in winnipeg
said

hey folks, just a small comment from winnipeg: hey china, you are not part of the Kyoto accord, you are the worlds largest producer of green house gas, and you are the worlds largest producer of garbage and waste, with no system in place to deal with it, so from this humble and proud canadian, shut the hell up and don't comment about anything to do with our country

Dave in Courtenay
said

And behind the scenes, these countries will be show their gratitude for Canada's taking the heat for trashing this ill-conceived piece of international piracy.

Jerry
said

Harper and his Reform/Conservatives never did believe on doing anything to help the environment. They are only concerned with assisting their big business friends and to hell with everyone else, if you have to pollute all the water around the oil sands go ahead. Just let us buy billion dollar jets and helicopters to fly our ministers around in.

George V.
said

What did the Liberals do during the many years when they were in power about global warming , sorry I meant climate change. Absolutely nothing, we had coal fired generators like the Hearn (I know it is provincial they offered no alternatives) here in Ontario providing for our elctricity. The only action they took was to sign the Kyoto agreement and than for more than 10 years did absolutely nothing, till the Conservatives came into power. It was never thought through, the whole kyoto concept was a failure as far as membership, who were in and who were out, the cost who was paying for it and who was the money paid to. It was unaffordable, and did nothing for climate change, it was used as a distribution of wealth from the rich have countries to the have nots or developing countries like China, India, and Russia who could sell their carbon credits to the highest bidder. Thank you Conservatives for getting us out of this mess.

Michel Joseph
said

Good scientific based political decision, opinions and hopes are not scientific or factual. Kyoto is an opinion based proposition, not a scientific based fact. Check out the scientific peer reviewed papers, global warming is NOT caused by human activity. Reference: On the Observation Determination of Climate Sensitivity and Its Implications (Richard S.Lindzen and Youg-Sang Choi) accepted 22 May 2011 Do good.

Karl
said

Every time I hear a Conservetive government member use the word 'clear' in a sentence, I want to kick them in the shins. But seriously, a lot of people on here come out swinging at China's environmental record without having all the facts. China has done more to clean up their environment than many countries combined. You're all bringing up old news. How many of you know that China has replaced more coal fired plants with solar and wind and hydro projects than the rest of the world combined? How many of you know that China is on the leading edge of Thorium as a nuclear fuel. Still mad at China for being mad at us?

Jonny Cal
said

Well If canada was responsible for more than 2-3% of the worlds pollution i would be flabbergasted.... but fortunately compared to the states and other places like china.. responsible for more than 15 - 20%. we could be putting our money to better use.. once they take care of their pollution problems than canada should be forced to as well.

Niagara George
said

@Robin from Calgary ... It is clear that the majority of people who post in this blog are Con supporters and will say anything to agree with King Steve and friends. Do not even imagine that the majority of Canadians agree. Unfortunately, too many Canadians are like this government. They are willing to postpone working on a serious problem for as long as possible. That way, the cost gets passed on to someone else.

pnnjenga
said

People seem to misunderstand the Canadian position. Canada has not rejected the idea of managing the global environment. But Canada is taking its role in leading the way towards inclusiveness of all Nations in the Global Environmental Management Protocol. Simple intelligence dictates that, for global environmental management impact to be realized, every Nation in planet must be included in any agreement thereof. Thus, Canada is doing its best to bring about that change requiring all nations to be part of the global agreement. This must include both developed and undeveloped nations. Therefore Canada is doing the right thing. I believe if every Nation is held accountable, then Canada will be the first to implement any global climatic decision.

Sheri
said

Withdrawing from the Kyoto accord is correct. If the rest of the world can come up with a new environmental accord that is equally applied to ALL nations (and not just unequally on the so-called rich Western nations, which aren't that rich anymore) then Canada will have better reason to sign on. China should be the last country to dare to criticize Canada, given that they are the MOST polluted and the MOST POLLUTER of the world nations - plus they are among the wealthiest nation now. If anything, China should be most embarrassed of themselves for not doing nearly half as much as what Canada has already implemented. Also, need I remind Japan that they are also considering to withdraw from the Kyoto accord - the hypocrites.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ Canadian Bob: No need to engage in an angry rant, Bob, and veer off topic. In answer to your question, our Conservative government has always had the view that Kyoto was wrong for Canada. However, it has representatively attended all major global "climate talks" (ie. Copenhagen, Cancun, Durban) and endeavored to further our country's economic interests and environmental position. Our Conservative government has expressed a commitment to reducing emissions within the fair and proper international framework. I have clearly stated my support, and reasons underpinning, for their stance with respect to the issue of global emissions, in light of the prevailing facts. You, however, haven't detailed any argument in light of the facts. Our previous Liberal government(s) did "zip" towards Kyoto. Cease being a hypocrite. Thanks for the reply. Take care.

russ_mcneil
said

Canada's withdrawal from Kyoto is an abomination - treachery at the planetary level. If we were looking for a trigger to unleash the furor of the Occupy movement, this is it. This government has lost all legitimacy in the eyes of anyone with any concern for the future of our species. I am profoundly ashamed to be a Canadian on this blackest of days.

noodle
said

I am with pm Harper on this one. kyoto p is just an elitist transferance of wealth. We will decide how to spend OUR money

Recap Canada
said

Recap: The Provinces disagree with Harper on the bulk justice bill; Cities, Police and Women's Groups disagree on repealing the Long Arm Registry, and now the International Community, including China of all countries, is scolding us on Climate Change... ya... the Harper Government is doing a great job! At least they are good for the economy... oh wait, Harper is running larger record breaking deficits than Mulroney did and unemployment is still rising!

Art in Alberta
said

Why is Harper allowed to make such drastic, wide sweeping decisions that will affect all Canadians without consulting Canadians??? Oh right, he's a self-centred, ego driven, bully. I want to make it known that I whole-heartedly disagree with the withdrawal from Kyoto. It is the worst thing Canada could do to maintain some credibility in respect to the environment. The oilsands have sucked up all the rest of our credibility, now he goes and does this. Thanks Harper!!!!

Munro - Brampton
said

Another useful tidbit I learned is that GE is exempt from the carbon plan. Why you ask ? They are on the presidential committee in the US. Besides light bulbs and other useful things they make people forget they also make jet engines (military).

Brian
said

whether Kyoto stands or not, we (the human race) are too stupid to do ANYTHING about the pollution of the planet and are doomed to disappear, I'd say within the next 500 yrs, unless all you experts commenting here have something up your sleeves.... didn't think so.

gary
said

Well lets see, umm China one of the biggest polluters in the world is critizing us, What a joke sent May over there to straighten them out lol, and Japan too,

Drew in NS
said

For Canada, getting out of Kyoto is the best deal money can by. Gun Control gone, Kyoto gone, tougher crime laws....... when are these Conservatives going to do something wrong!!!!!! Good job

JD
said

This is why our reputation internationally is in free-fall.

lefties are unrealistic
said

The Kyoto Protocol is just to save mankind for the next several decades. Its totally useless. You lefties must realize that circular extinctions are part of the natural evolution cycle of this planet. What is wrong for polluting our planet to make a living? Spending billions just to have cleaner air is just enough to continue mankind for an additional fifty years. Big deal you utopia lefties. We`re all going to die sometime.

Richard L. Provencher
said

Hooray for Canada to take this step. The majority of the public sees Kyoto was simply a scam for countries like Canada to pay for credits from countries with no developing industries. Under their silly Kyoto rules, China the largest polluter of them all, qualified as a developing country. Canada has only 2% of the world's pollution and other countries like Russia is whining? India and the US were not even signed on as the Liberals did for Canada when they could not possibly make their grandstanding goals. We now have a government that stands up for our country in spite of those who complain about everything.

Spiltbongwater
said

In order to lower our carbon footprint and be able to please France, Japan and China, Canada should cease all imports from these countries.

Dave in Calgary
said

What do we expect? The optics are terrible. No matter what the merits of the argument about climate change are, this government has given the rest of the world a reason to get our resources at reduced rates since they are "dirty".

Howard in Brampton
said

This is more like it! A Government that is dealing with global realities, and their potential effect on the well being of every Canadian, and their progeny. The Kyoto Accord does little if anything to reduce pollution globally. We would get to pay out $14 Billion to get sick and have our environment destroyed by pollution from non Canadian sources. And, by some means of convoluted logic, the Greens, Liberals, and NDP would somehow have us feel good about it? First the billion dollar boondoggle of Gun Registry thankfully going, and a more globally responsible view to overall reduction of pollutants, I'm starting to like these Conservatives.

Bumcrack
said

We used to be respected all around the world. Now, the rest of the world doesn't recognize us. Soon, it will view us like it does the US, because we will look and sound like the US. To think that these imbeciles are modeling us on a system that is coming apart at the seams.

Robin from Calgary
said

It is clear from the vast majority of responses that Canadians mainly agree with the Conservative Government's decision to drop Kyoto. May et al are simply using this as an issue to speak to their own constituency but are completely out of touch with mainstream Canadians. What do we want? We want the big polluters and developing polluters to accept the same demands they are asking of Canada. When we get that, we can all sign off on what will then be a level playing field for governments and industry alike.Until then, while it makes great headlines, for most Canadians this is a non-issue.

Camwest
said

Sure sign up!!! On the condition that E.May will pay the money to these corrupt countries that would get that my family has to pay to join...

PBW
said

While China Comments that Canada's withdrawal from Kyoto "flies in the face of international efforts" they still remain one of the three largest polluters and producers of CO2 in the world. This is the kettle calling the pot black. When Canada's emissions reach 10% of China's, perhaps their rebuke might hold water. In the meantime, $14 billion saved is money better spent in our nation, rather than some nation holding out a sticky handful of "carbon credits" that will cost us jobs.

Unreal
said

Japan, currently in the process of irradiating the far East and hunting whales to extinction, and China the worlds most poluted country are mad at Canada. Wow, if you can judge a country by it's enemies I'd say we made the right decision.

David
said

At least our government read it; it is obvious who hasn't.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

I could handle our government being criticized by all the self-interested parties at home and abroad, but, China's displeasure really hurts, and makes me want to hang my head in shame. They have such credibility on this issue, after all.

Fred
said

The more I hear out of Ms May and old Bob Rae the more I am convinced they are in absolute shock no one is drinkiing thier brand of cool aid anymore. . Much like alot of the commenters on here who bought into the whole "Liberal values are Canadian values" BS that was shoved down our throat for 10 years. Governments don't create or decide what people value, the people do. And the people are smart enough to see Kyoto as the ineffective, wealth redistirbution plan it trully was. Yes global warming is a fact Ms May, so how about trying to actually do something about it instead of pointless granstanding over a climate deal that no one wants. No wonder you "lead" a one seat party.

Raymond
said

China?? Really?? Sounds like Harper made the correct choice.

Canadian Bob
said

@ Prof. Pye Chartt. Given your "oh don't you dare talk ill against my pal Harper" stance... perhaps you could just enlighten us as to what it is exactly that Harper & Company has done in their numerous years in office to ensure that their accountability in government promise has been honoured? And do correct me about Harper's ability to govern within the parliamentary procedures and laws in complete compliance. And since you are so sure of their ability to govern above board in the best interests of Canadians, just what have they done about the environment in their many years leading this country to ensure that Canada is a leader for both its people and its place in the world (that is aside from moaning and groaning about what the previous government did by negotiating us into the Kyoto accord in the first place).Exactly... there will be no concrete answer other than more misdirectional mumbo jumbo once that Conservative soother comes out of your mouth. But thanks for your contribution to the conversations here. Always a joyful read at the best of times.

MJ
said

You know what is really harming Canada's image...having some American (she was born in Hartford, Connecticut) hippie sitting in the House of Commons wasting our time and tax dollars. She says nothing except when there is an opportunity to bash the Conservatives. She is even more useless now than when she was an environmental lawyer. She is an activist and nothing more, her "Green Party" is not an official party...why does she get so much damn media time?

John Hague
said

My strongest reaction to what Harper is doing is to call for his impeachment. To initiate a citizens' recall of his Membership in Parliament. To call on law enforcement to arrest him and for our judiciary to convict him. He is committing crimes against humanity by any reasonable measure, and if the world cannot bring him down, Canadians must.He does not represent the values of Canada, he is in any measure a traitor to our Constitution and our Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, he is robbing Canadians of our good reputation and putting our Country at "war with the world". He is not above the law, even though his actions presume otherwise. He cannot forfeit our children's future.Tar sands, F-35 fighters, Kyoto, Invasion of internet privacy, Imprisonment of YouthEach is a capital crime worthy of the most severe punishment, and as dictators have been punished by the people throughout history, it has come to this in Canada today. Harper has wrought severe retribution upon his own head. He must be called to account."Occupy the Prime Ministers Office" "Impeach Harper" "Solitary Confinement for Crimes Against All of Humanity"A grass roots uprising following on from the "Occupy Wallstreet" movement is now needed to stop this monster, and his minions. This betrayal of Canada must end now. "Corporate Government by the PMO" must be destroyed.Conservative MPs are now obligated to purge Parliament of this threat to its heritage and the principles of democracy.

Cold in Alberta
said

Now bring on the warmer weather. I am tired of ice and snow.

twocents
said

Elizabeth who?

peter in mb
said

Having read the Kyoto Protocol, its nothing more than smoke and mires and snake oil. And im happy that our conservative government has told the world that we are not going to give them 14 billion dollars that will do nothing to reduce green house gasses and we will not be a part of this B.S. scam. We can put that 14 billion into bringing down are deficit and reducing our own pollution at home on our own. And the message was clear that we will not give a penny until the worlds biggest polluters get on board and start reducing their emissions.

Paul
said

She got elected as result of a hippie protest vote. Nothing she says has any merit.

mahanna ali
said

it looks like the conservatives may have secured a (larger) majority government next election....and the opposition will remain where they are...lizzy may had better enjoy this little stint in the big house because i think this is as good as it will get for her.....

Jamie
said

People really need to understand what Kyoto is. It is being sold as an environmental agreement, but what it really is is a wealth distribution plan. If a company can not reduce it's pollution, it can buy credits from another country that has an excess. So if you have a country such as India where each individual factory is a worse polluter than almost any factory in the world, yet, India as a whole doesn't have enough industry to worry about credits, Canada buys the credits, and both countries get to keep polluting. Except, of course, the Conservatives are against Kyoto, so that must mean it is above reproach, because anything the Conservatives are for is automatically evil.

Goldens
said

And now she is a lawyer! How in the devil does this person warrant so much press time?

Don in N.S.
said

I think The Green Party should try to convice china, Russia and all other countries that is pumping millions of tons of crap into the air each year to stop and not worry about what Canada is doing. NO, May would rather bankrupte Canadian companies instead of going after the countries that do not care what they are putting into the air. The Green Party like their leader is a joke with nothing to offer Canadians

Bill
said

I'm afraid Ms May has lost a few marbles. The Kyoto Accord allowed for any signatory to back out. Hence what Canada is doing is a process allowed under the accord and hence they are in compliance with the Kyoto Implementation Act.

Whatever
said

Elizabeth who?

BC Citizen
said

This is the lady who is promoting to "Ban Tanker Traffic around the BC Coast". While her followers have posted outside their driveways the above comment. Parked in their driveways are gas guzzling SUVs and 6 litre Pickup Trucks. They all go to grocery store where goods have been delivered by Diesel vehicles by way of the BC Ferries powered by Diesel engines. On Vancouver Island there are no refineries so where does it get fuel - BY TANKER TRAFFIC.When these Green Party Types start preach what they pray, they may get a little more respect, especially from me.

JDF - Calgary
said

I'll worry about global warming when I see Elizabeth May able to sit by the riverside at Bowness Park in Calgary 6 days straight at in Mid January/February. Until then, global warming is BS and this woman is nuts.

Jim in Ottawa
said

The Government of Canada implemented the Kyoto accord by act of parliament; the Government of Canada can un-implement the Kyoto accord by act of parliament. There is nothing unusual, sinister, or illegal about this. The Kyoto Accord is not entrenced in our consistution or Charter of Rights and Freedoms, therefore the Government of Canada at its discretion has the power and authority vested in it by the voters to leave the accord if it sees fit. End of discussion.

Cal in Ottawa
said

If someone would please tell me who was meeting their Kyoto targets and what good it was when major polluters were not part of the agreement. Wasn't this signed under the liberal and then totally ignored while they were in power, and then they get sanctimonious about it when they aren't in power? All these folks going around preaching about greenhouse gases, but wait a minute...they are always flying on planes, riding in limos and living in overly large houses. Hypocrites all! When they start using video conferences instead of flying, small cars instead of limos and regular houses, I'll see real leadership and pay attention to the message!

Bryn
said

Elizabeth May is nobody to talk about "saving the planet". Her platform in her first election was to save a pulp and paper mill in her riding. In case anyone doesn't know it, pulp and paper is one of the DIRTIEST industries in the world for pollution! She didn't care about that, she just wanted to be elected.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ Canadian Bob: Thank-you for demonstrating what some of us find left-wing anti-Conservatives do best: abandon the topic or issue at hand and childishly slag Harper & Company -- and/or a supporter thereof -- when they can't table a specific, intelligent argument that backs their opposing position. Bravo. (You're just sounding off with a popgun.)

FCS
said

Remember folks, it's not what you are doing, it's what you are precieved to be doing that's important, nevermind the cost. Kyoto accomplished nothing and never would have. Ms May is intelligent and knows this. But she is a politician so grandstanding is in her DNA. Canada's standing in the world? Please. I've travelled extensively and believe me most people barely know we exist. There are 5 billion people in the world, and we have only 30 million of them. How much influenece does Ms May imagine we actually have? Give me a break already. She may want to sacrafice our standard of living to prove a point but I guarantee the majority of voters don't. Hence the one seat party.

MARG MM
said

Jean Chretien signed onto Kyoto, then did nothing to improve the environment. Where was Ms May then?? She should have been "harping" at the Liberals to make good on their commitments. The Conservatives are commited to reducing green house gas, but under an agreement that is more fair. The fact that Canada's emissions are, relatively speaking, very small in comparison to other countries should make us more respected, however the so-called environmentalists are more concerned about "sucking money" from us than they are about anything else. They have managed to convince other nations that Canada is very very bad, so as such we receive all the fossil awards. They really should be looking in their own back yards. By the way, I believe that cows give off more GHG than cars do, also there is a lot of "hot air" coming from some politicians!!!!

d_abes
said

May is a lawyer, she should know better. Someone send her a copy of c-288, it's very specific it covers a period of time ending at the end of 2012. The government isn't breaking a law, they are announcing they intend to not extend it.

Len
said

Whether the Harper government broke the law or not is an irrelevant question. He and his company had no intention of obeying the terms of the agreement, or even attempting to meet its terms. What else can one expect from Harper?

jeffw
said

@ Niagara George:"Decision-makers in other countries know that Canada made a promise and is now walking away from it. Other leaders know this is a difficult and costly problem, but they have chosen to tackle it."Ahem; and someday humans will finally figure out how to put a man on the sun.Just because other nations are willing to throw their people off a mountain because they heard it sounded like a good idea doesnt really mean it is. And how dare you (and the rest of your ilk) try to guilt me into working my cheeks off so that i can eventually go broke trying to fight the solar system. I am smart enough to know that i won't win.

M
said

Gawwdd this woman is a fool. If she wants to pull stunts that'll elevate her profile she can do it at her own expense.

Rick from SJ
said

"That means they may consider it moral and ethical to kill or relocate human populations that threaten eco systems"You say thank god for common sense?? You clearly lack it. lol that made my dayI don't see a problem with Canada leaving the kyoto accord but do it legally...is the Harper gov't doing anything legal these days?? not up to me but the courts.

Canadian Bob
said

Breaking laws is what Harper and his clowns do best. They've been doing it ever since they won their first little minority, and they've managed to convince enough suckers that an outlaw government is worth giving a majority to. The price we pay hangs on their shoulders. Not mine!

Herbert H. Ind
said

Yeah, because sticking with unreasonable goals and dumbass ideals to destroy the economy only to fail, and lose 14 billion dollars in the process is SO much better...This woman, and her followers, are the cancer that is destroying society.Drop the agreement, lets work on fixing corporate greed, then we'll see how fast alternate, environmentally friendly options become prevelant.

Joe Canadian
said

We are leaving an agreement we were doing nothing to fulfill. So what. All the left willrave about this but the reality is that the Liberals signed this for politicial expediency and then did squat to reach the goals it agreed to. At least the Tories aren't hypocrites about it. Get a good deal in place that involves all the players on an equal plaing field and then you will get all the support you need.

Ranger
said

No! The Green Party will hurt Canada. Not too worry however, there is barely enough of them to form a bowling team...

Andrew
said

What I have never understood. You have all these environmentalists saying that "we" will miss on these great inovations in technology, and then fall behind... Well my question to these people is, why don't you take your own saving and invest in these technologies yourself? Why do you insist that all of Canada make these investments through our taxes. Take your savings and invest. And then when you make your millions of dollars on windfarms and solar panels, you can be the one laughing at us.

KEVIN
said

I am an ordinary Canadian and I would rather spend my time pressuring my MP to keep a single member party from having a voice at international events where Canada needs to be represented. MAY does not speak for Canada, and should not be at international events trying to represent us. Our governing party and opposition party are the ones who are to speak for us on these stages.

Brian Fr Langley
said

If you think the "Green Party" is for not hurting folks, check out their website. 1st they adhere to a "World green party" ethic. 2nd the World Green Party uses much of an ethic called "deep ecology" to gives thier ideology an ethical underpinning. Not only does their ethic specifically reject the "Judeo-Christian" ethic It also specifically rejects utilitarian ethics. (ethics that benefit humans specifically as being superior beings) The point is this, they put eco systems on par with humans. This means by definition human life has no more value than an eco system. The ethic also calls for de-industrializing and for significant reductions in human populations. That means they may consider it moral and ethical to kill or relocate human populations that threaten eco systems. The truth, Kyoto and the Greens would be a disaster for us all. Thank Goodness common sense prevailed

Anne
said

Hurts Canada's "image"? I tell my kids to do what is right and not care about what others think of their image. Canada is right to leave this protocol that would destroy Canada while giving a leg up to China. Why is it so hard for greens to realize that a world led by China economically is the worst thing for the environment?

Niagara George
said

So far the comments have followed the normal Conservative line.... First, they make an effort to mock the opposing messenger. From there, they simply say that the messenger is wrong. Of course, they never offer any factual information. There is no question... this decision by Harper and Kent will have a negative effect on Canada's position in the world. Decision-makers in other countries know that Canada made a promise and is now walking away from it. Other leaders know this is a difficult and costly problem, but they have chosen to tackle it. Instead of tackling the challenge, instead of embracing the possibilities for scientific research, instead of encouraging the research that would have put Canada in the position to lead the Americans when they are finally ready to do their part, our leader have chosen to turn their backs. As has become their norm, they have chosen to delay, delay, delay. The Con backroom boys and girls have decided anything that will cost money, anything that will offer any risk, will be left for future governments. These people, who are desperate to cling to power will do nothing to rock their little-minded boat. If they were true leaders, they would tackle the big issues, and could prove themselves to be worthy of majority status.

allan
said

thank you Mr. Harper for getting us out of this ridiculous money-grabbing so-called deal. Chretien stupidly signed an accord and had absolutely no plan on how to implement it. Why are Mae and others so stupid as to support something that has no hope of succes, and has been rejected by the major polluters? What is wrong with the brains of these left-wing loonies when they cannot see the proof right in front of them?

Adam - Brampton
said

She has no idea how bad this new climate deal is. I have heard reports from some that actually read the report the UN wants to do. They are like a bunch of mad scientists. In the next 7 years they want to reduce the earth's temperature by 2 degrees. And they have a target figure of ppm for CO2 which is so low that plants would die, because there is not enough carbon dioxide. Sorry, I can not link to out side sites.

terry in Alberta
said

Harper made the right decision...... Elizabeth really should educate herself and then comment

Rocky
said

Just to make it clear that the Conservatives are the only sane government for Canada, better get quotes from Turmel and what-his-name as well.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Abandoning an ineffectual and insufficient agreement that covers less than 13% of the world's largest carbon emitters (the Kyoto Protocol) in favor of forging one or more that, individually or collectively, actually represents a bona fide solution to the problem at hand (global emissions) represents practical intelligence, as does avoiding $14B in ridiculous penalties. Stubbornly and foolishly clinging to a failure that our past Liberal government(s) paid only lip service to represents worthless stupidity. The anti-Conservative foot-stompers keep flogging and relying upon a false argument, that abandoning Kyoto means abandoning the environment. That's utterly bogus and vapidly rhetorical. Our federal government has made very clear, with its words and actions, its desire and intent to commit Canada to fair and meaningful reductions in emissions (ie. Copenhagen and Cancun conferences). If the anti-Conservative foot-stompers read the news stories related to Canada's position on "climate talks," instead of immediately leaping to post a derogatory comment upon them, they'd be informed and their phony criticisms would be self-rendered null and void. (Green party leader Elizabeth May, when your "party" gains an ounce of representative weight, let us know. Thanks.)

Justin
said

Sure Canadians will just naively hand over billions to crock-crap ideology like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see if it sticks. Yeah..like we did with the Haiti earthquake relief. See how well that has turned out over 2 years? Still in as bad shape as it has been for almost a hundred years. Where did all the money go????

Leslie Anne Pompadeur
said

China is the world's biggest polluter but Elizabeth is too in love with Mao and Communist to whine and boo hoo on their doorstep. She would like to turn Canada into a little Mao Chinese nation of bike riders, dressed in dower green tunics like Stepford Wives. Isn't she grand!

Diana 3
said

Canadians cannot afford to pay the billions to other countries "China included" that Elizabeth May bitches about. She lives off taxpayers so she don't live in the "real" world. Delusional. Maybe she should fork over her own money to Globalists like herself.

Mrs. Edna Lickamaid
said

Ordinary Canadians are struggling to pay bills, groceries and taxes. Elizabeth May who buys your lunch? Oh...that's right "we" Canadians do..since you're a politician with a nice cushy salary, pension plan and expense account. Now you want to bill us for your Pan-Global-Save the World-Elitist Socialist Ideology??? Yes...you want us struggling Canadians to pull billions of dollars out of our pockets to hand to any country who screams for money under the guise of "Global Warming". Are you crazy lady? You and your cult are seriously out to lunch and I'm surprised we Canadians aren't paying for your fantastical brain farts on top of the actual lunch you eat in the Parliament cafeteria billed to us everyday as we struggle to pay the groceries at the cash register.

Leroy_Jethro_Gibbs
said

It MAY (no pun intended) harm Canada's image internationally, but it will help Canadians at home. Thanks to stopping Kyoto, health care and education along with the economy have been spared from the heavy financial burdens of Kyoto. It was therefore cheap at twice the price. If some African diplomats say they don't like Canada, so be it. My needs here in North America have been preserved. Good luck to Ms. May for trying to mobilize "ordinary" Canadians against Mr. Harper, seeing how he's done them the greatest service.

Anne
said

No, it won't hurt Canada. This voter will also not waste time calling my MP, because the biggest polluters on the planet aren't in Kyoto - so all it is, is a forum for tree huggers to spout off. Apparently there was a documentary indicating that animal production for food causes more green house gasses than anything. Perhaps they should turn their energies into convincing us all to be vegetarian.

Kelly Willis
said

Elizabeth May will say anything to set off false alarm bells now that her assistance in the thuggery and UN socialist inspired shakedown of Canada has made an epic flop! Too bad for them that people like Elizabeth have been outsmarted by commonsense. Why are Canadians responsible for emptying their financial wellbeing to hand billions to poor nations who want to grab our cash like teenagers running to the mall? We need to fix Canada not the rest of the world. We have problems in Canada that need serious attention. We have our own little 3rd world in Canada from neglected, mismanaged Natives, destitute seniors going hungry, homeless people.. Enough of handing Canadian's cash to foreigners and start addressing issues on our own home turf long neglected!

mike
said

The only item that is hurting Canadians is having to give my tax dollars to support your paycheck.You and David Suzuki are just useless, you both pollute when you fly in jets and drive your cars. But you want to save the enviormrent You are just hypocrites.Stop wasting my tax dollars or better yet asked your friend david for a job. I am sure he has lots of money for doing nothing.

tc
said

Actually having May run around and pretend she actually talks for Canadians is bad for Canada.

Dave
said

I just love reading about what the misinformed have to say. Instead of talking from her beliefs, why does she not get educated first, or would that be to much to do.

A Proud Canadian
said

Of course it will give Canada a bad name.
Shame on you canada for having the smallest amount of greenhouse gases. You need to smarten up and get more polutters going.
Really elizabeth, GET A LIFE

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Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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