Federal Environmental Commissioner Report On Climate Change

The federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Johanne Gélinas released her annual report today. The document, tabled in the House of Commons, focuses on how well Canada has been tackling the challenge of climate change.

Not well, it would appear. From the press release:

"It is increasingly clear that Canada will not meet its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Report outlines reasons why. It says the federal government is not organized to manage its climate change initiatives effectively. Missing are mechanisms to coordinate activities across departments and to track spending and results for reporting to Canadians. It notes, too, that few federal efforts are underway to deal with the booming growth in the oil and gas sector."

"Looking to the future, the Commissioner urges the government to come up with a credible, realistic and clear plan with short- and long-term goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A prominent part of the government's plan should address the long-neglected need to help Canadians cope with the consequences of climate change."

Gélinas' position is part of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

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