New Strategy Will Harness Research, Innovation to Create Strong, Green Economy
Glen Murray is at Climate Week in New York City where he will attend the UN Climate Summit, alongside world leaders such as President Barack Obama, to talk about Ontario’s climate change achievements as part of his new responsibility as Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
A new long-term strategy to fight, adapt and rise to the challenge of climate change is the cornerstone of Minister Murray’s new responsibilities, outlined in mandate letters being issued this week. This builds on Ontario’s actions to fight climate change, including:
- Meeting our 2014 greenhouse gas reduction target.
- Establishing a strategy to achieve our ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2020 and 2050.
- Working with Quebec to push for greater prominence of climate change in the Canadian Energy Strategy, which includes co-ordinated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Ensuring efforts to fight climate change are incorporated into the plans, policies and actions of other government ministries such as urban planning and infrastructure decisions.
Action on climate change is allowing Ontario to harness jobs in the growing clean economy. Fighting and adapting to the realities of climate change is part of the government’s plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
QUICK FACTS
- Mandate letters are issued to cabinet ministers with the return of existing or new governments to the legislature. Mandate letters outline the key priorities and commitments of each ministry.
- Ontario recently posted its Climate Change Update, confirming that the province is on track to meet and surpass its 2014 greenhouse gas emissions target.
- Ending coal-fired power is the single largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America.
- Phasing out coal-fired electricity generation is the equivalent to taking up to seven-million cars off the road when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases.
LEARN MORE
I’m honoured to be in New York during Climate Week to share Ontario’s success in meeting our 2014 greenhouse gas reduction targets. I look forward to talking and working with the people of Ontario to create a new, climate change strategy that cultivates a strong economy built on science, innovation, conservation and well planned communities. Let’s rise to the challenge of fighting climate change and leave future generations with an essential legacy: a healthy and beautiful planet.
— Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
