Statement - Ministerial statement on the Ontario-Quebec-California memorandum of understanding

OTTAWA, Sept. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - On the occasion of the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the province of Ontario, the province of Quebec, and the state of California—connecting the methods they use to price carbon pollution—the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, issued the following statement:

"By linking their respective systems that charge polluters to emit carbon dioxide, Ontario, Quebec, and California stand to reduce their carbon emissions at low cost. They are demonstrating the advantages of interprovincial and international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And in doing so, they are taking significant action to fight climate change. I congratulate them on their leadership.

"Providing price incentives to reduce carbon emissions is a proven and effective strategy. It stimulates innovation; it encourages businesses to reduce emissions; and it makes sense for their bottom line. This agreement will help ensure Canadian and American workers and companies participate fully in the emerging clean economy.

"Canada understands that a clean environment and a strong economy go hand in hand. Environmental cooperation among governments in North America supports the competitiveness of our economies, the protection of our environment, and the well-being of our citizens." 

Quick facts

• Ontario, Quebec, and California use what is known as "cap and trade" to price carbon pollution. The governments sell a fixed number of credits for the release of carbon pollution. Polluters who want to increase their emissions must buy more credits from holders willing to sell them.
• Quebec, Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, and California are members of the Western Climate Initiative, formed in 2007 to identify, evaluate, and implement emissions-trading policies and tackle climate change at a regional level.
• Quebec, California, and Ontario have developed their cap-and-trade policies under the Western Climate Initiative.

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada