Keystone veto reflects Stephen Harper’s failed record on environment

February 25, 2015

OTTAWA – Yesterday’s veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline by U.S. President Barack Obama could have been avoided if Stephen Harper’s Conservatives had demonstrated a sensible, credible approach to the environment and the economy, said Liberals today.

“Stephen Harper’s failure to move the yardsticks on the Keystone XL Pipeline is a direct result of his refusal to adopt stronger, credible environmental policies,” said Liberal Natural Resources Critic, Geoff Regan. “The government has a responsibility to open up markets for Canadian resources, but today we see how Mr. Harper’s divisiveness has compromised Canada’s interests.”

Liberals, however, are committed to a pan-Canadian framework to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change – developed in partnership with the provinces and territories. Under the plan, they will have the flexibility to design their own policies to meet these commitments, including their own carbon pricing policies. Funding to help achieve these goals would be provided in the same way the federal government supports health care in Canada.

“If we want to keep our resources moving to market, and if we want to regain public trust at home and abroad, we need to take action to fight climate change,” said Mr. Regan. “That is why Justin Trudeau has proposed a sound plan to cut carbon emissions and protect both our environmental and economic interests.”