The Prime Minister's Office has sent Arnold Schwarzenegger an invitation to visit, CTV News has learned, at a time when both the California governor and Canada's Conservatives are focusing on the environment.

Schwarzenegger, who drives a hydrogen-powered Hummer, has made the environment a central issue in his state.

"I have also proposed that California be the first in the world to develop a low carbon fuel standard that leads us away from fossil fuels," he recently announced.

The former bodybuilder and Hollywood star wants energy efficient cars, and his goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is higher than what Prime Minister Stephen Harper has proposed.

• Schwarzenegger wants an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050
• Harper promises a 65 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2003 levels by 2050

Opposition parties in Canada say that Schwarzenegger sets an excellent example.

"Certainly 'The Terminator' isn't somebody who is satisfied with half-measures," said NDP Leader Jack Layton. "So I think it's good because we don't need half-measures right now, we need aggressive and strong action."

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said the invitation could be a sign that the Conservatives will step up their environmental plans.

"I hope it means they are serious about taking the kind of actions that Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking in California on climate change," she said.

Oil extracted from the Alberta tar sands might not pass California's new clean-fuel standards.

But John Baird, who recently replaced embattled Rona Ambrose as the environment minister, said the government is increasingly attentive to climate change concerns.

"We're concerned about the huge climate change challenges," said Baird. "The erratic weather we've had this winter is a huge wake-up call."

A spokesperson from Schwarzenegger's office said he's hoping to lead a trade mission to Canada soon, but a date has yet to be finalized.

With a report by CTV's Rosemary Thompson