"Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced Canada would follow the U.S. lead and reduce GHG emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020, down from previous plans to reduce emissions by 20 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020. What do these less ambitious commitments, and the minister's statement last week that the new Quebec Environmental Quality Act was "folly," say about the government's leadership on tackling climate change?"

Published February 8, 2010

Mike Storeshaw

Conservative strategist

"It shows that the government is taking its responsibilities seriously. And let's not forget that a government's responsibilities include defending all of the country's interests. In the case of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is in Canada's interests to take an approach that takes meaningful and effective steps, in a way that keeps us economically competitive with the US, our continental...