La première ministre de l'Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, la Gouverneure de l'Orégon, Kate Brown, et le premier ministre du Québec, Philippe Couillard, ont signé un protocole d'entente qui permettra d'accélérer le rythme du travail de pointe des trois gouvernements dans la lutte mondiale contre les changements climatiques
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Government announcement
9 May 2018

Ontario, Québec and Oregon are working together to combat climate change

La première ministre de l'Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, la Gouverneure de l'Orégon, Kate Brown, et le premier ministre du Québec, Philippe Couillard, ont signé un protocole d'entente qui permettra d'accélérer le rythme du travail de pointe des trois gouvernements dans la lutte mondiale contre les changements climatiques

State-province partnerships are key to reducing pollution and unlocking new economic opportunities

Québec City, May 9, 2018. – Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, and Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will accelerate the three governments’ leading work in the global fight against climate change.

This new agreement supports the three regions’ shared commitment to achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and demonstrates the value of governments working together across borders to combat climate change and create new opportunities in the green economy.

Through this agreement, Ontario, Oregon and Québec are committing to work together towards the common objectives of exploring market-based solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and protecting our shared environment against the effects of pollution and climate change. The agreement includes key areas of cooperation and collaboration, such as the open sharing of information and experiences related to successful policies and programs, as well as the sharing of research into clean technologies such as biofuels and advanced manufacturing and materials.

At a time when some administrations and interest groups are attempting to thwart actions aimed at protecting the climate and are giving polluters a free pass, state-province partnerships are key to stopping runaway climate change before it’s too late. By coordinating efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agreement will foster new job-creating opportunities and sustainable economic growth.

QUOTES

Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. Unfortunately, there are still powerful interests that deny climate change and risk permanently destabilizing our planet. For this reason, it is very important that states and provinces work together to lead the way. We are showing that we take this problem seriously, and that when we take action together, the planet and the economy come out ahead. Whether it’s shutting down our coal power plants or entering into the joint carbon market with Québec and California, Ontario is a leader.  We have a lot to offer and much to gain from building these kinds of cross-border partnerships. I believe in bringing people together as we transition to a low-carbon economy. That’s how we create good jobs and a healthy planet for our children.

– Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

The fight against climate change has no borders. States and provinces must support each other’s efforts to achieve the ultimate goal laid out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. To meet this challenge, it is important to join forces as Québec, Ontario and Oregon are doing today. These efforts by government members of the Western Climate Initiative demonstrate the need for contributions from all levels of government in this fight, which has a positive impact on the health and safety of the people, their lives and their environment, as well as on the economies of the three partners. Cooperation and the sharing of information and experiences are essential to go even further. By working together, we will succeed in the ongoing transition to a modern, greener and lower-carbon economy.

– Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec

Oregon has a proud tradition of environmental stewardship, and we are committed to combating the impacts of climate change and developing a sustainable energy mix for the future. If the effects of wildfires and winter storms on Oregon’s economy and local businesses are any indication, we cannot stop our efforts to combat climate change.  Despite the decision by the White House to retreat, Oregon will continue moving forward and pursuing innovative strategies that considerably reduce carbon emissions and support a thriving economy of the future. Working with regional and international partners will be key to realizing this shared vision to ensure that our communities and economies adapt to meet the challenges that come with climate change.

– Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon

QUICK FACTS

  • Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires that 50% of the electricity Oregonians use come from renewable sources by 2040.
  • Québec’s 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan sets out 30 priorities and more than 150 actions to combat climate change.
  • Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and the carbon market are the basis of Ontario’s strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 15% below 1990 levels by 2020, 30% below by 2030 and 80% below by 2050.

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