Canada to Host Next Major
International Meeting Setting Global Course
on Climate Change Beyond Kyoto
16/02/2005 – Prime Minister Paul Martin marked
today's entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol
on climate change by announcing that Canada
will host the Eleventh Conference of the Parties
(CoP 11) to the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change in Montreal from November
28 to December 9, 2005.
The Montreal Conference on Climate (CoP 11)
will be a significant event, in that it will
also be the first Meeting of the Parties (MoP1)
to the Kyoto Protocol. The meeting will mark
the beginning of discussion among countries
to determine the longer term global approach
on climate change after 2012.
"Taking on a leadership role by hosting
this meeting is profoundly in Canada's national
interest," said Prime Minister Martin.
"Canadians want us to prepare for the
future. That means an environmental commitment
to clean air, clean water and good health.
It also means an economy that takes full advantage
of sustainable principles and sustainable
technologies."
Environment Minister Stéphane Dion,
who will hold the gavel as Chair of the global
gathering, says the entry into force of the
Kyoto Protocol is an opportunity for Canada.
"Humanity must emerge from the 21 st
century having learned to control its impact
on the climate. The Montreal Conference on
Climate will be a turning point: it will allow
the process of identifying the post-2012 international
regime to get off on the right foot."
Canada, as chair of the meeting is also uniquely
positioned to lead efforts to produce an effective
and inclusive agreement – one including the
United States and that sets targets for emerging,
developing nations such as China and India.
Industry Minister David Emerson says the
opportunity today to transform our way of
doing business in a sustainable manner is
one Canadians and the Government of Canada
is ready to embrace. "Canada has the
opportunity to show how environmental responsibility
can lead to competitive advantage. By continuing
to develop and deploy innovative green technologies,
and by becoming more efficient in our practices,
we can enjoy a dual economic and environmental
benefit."
Montreal is no stranger to hosting international
environmental conferences that produce beneficial
results. It was in Montreal in 1987 that global
environment ministers agreed to limit ozone
depleting substances through the Montreal
Protocol. The City is also home to the United
Nations Biodiversity Secretariat.
The Montreal Conference on Climate is expected
to be attended by more than 10,000 delegates,
media and observers.
