Change still only constant

It’s about time that Canadian premiers and territorial leaders took firm action to address climate change. The final framework to protect our environment and economy was signed a week ago with Ottawa. Most Canadians applaud the deal.

The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change outlines a variety of ways that Canada will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It supports carbon pricing, new building codes and green technology.

Finally, some action.

Achieving a clean environment doesn’t have to hurt our economy. Instead, it opens new doors and new opportunities.

That won’t happen if we are bogged down in endless arguments. We can’t wait for Saskatchewan and Manitoba – which refused to sign the agreement - to stop with their petty demands. No plan can address every possible negative outcome.

Yes, we hear plans for a carbon tax and our immediate reaction is negative. How can we be exempted? How will we be compensated? What’s in it for us?

For starters, how about clean air, safe water, sustainable energy, a stronger economy and a better country.

We have a responsibility to future generations. It might cost us a little more in the pocketbook. But if we use less energy, we pay less. If there is a cost, there are rebates as a reward.

Like Saskatchewan, other provinces have vital resources to protect but acted in the national interest. That stand took more bravery than saying no.

Newfoundland and Labrador has critical offshore oil reserves, Nova Scotia has vital coal-fired generation plants and New Brunswick has oil-fired power stations. They opted to face climate challenges and move forward on policies to reduce its carbon footprint.

N.L. is developing a massive new hydroelectric project; N.S., which already leads the provinces in reduction of greenhouse gases, is exploring tidal power; P.E.I. generates 25 per cent of its electricity from wind power; and N.B. is looking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel generation.

They are willing to face challenges within a Canadian framework.

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan says $435 million leaves his province each year in carbon costs. The potential savings are vast for little P.E.I. and those can easily triple and quadruple for other Atlantic provinces.

Over 192 countries signed the Paris agreement on climate change. We are committed. Over 95 per cent of Canadians live in provinces and territories that have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, some form of carbon pricing even before the national deal was signed last Friday. All regions in the country now have a positive stake in carbon pricing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was elected to forge a national climate strategy that would respect the province’s role in energy and climate policy but also meet Canada’s international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing Canada’s carbon footprint should not be a divisive issue. Unfortunately, some politicians have made it so.

The national will won’t be halted. Tackling climate change is a global trend that is irreversible.