Quebec Vows to “Unleash the Green Economy,” “Change the Position of the Federal Government” With Continent’s Strongest Carbon Reduction Target

What a breath of fresh air from la belle province today! In the past few weeks I’ve gotten so used to federal politicians lowering expectations, playing off environment vs economy or claiming that we need 40 years to take serious action, that it was actually a shock to hear Quebec’s Premier and Sustainable Development Minister dramatically increase their carbon cuts saying:

These actions will set the stage for a flourishing green economy by the year 2020 and will gradually reduce Québec’s economic dependence on foreign oil. It will also soften the economic impact of the anticipated oil crisis in the decades to come and improve Québec’s trade balance.

With just a few weeks to go before the December 2009 climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, Québec is announcing where it stands. “Through this ambitious target, Québec is showing its partners and the international community that it is fully committed to assuming its share of responsibility. By continuing to demonstrate strong leadership, we hope to change the position of the federal government leading up to the Copenhagen Conference .

“Flourishing green economy?” “Impact of the anticipated oil crisis?” Sticking it to Ottawa in the run up to Copenhagen?

Ottawa must’ve forgotten to send that defeatist memo across the river to Quebec….

But seriously, Charest’s team has been honing their “green jobs” frame.  And they have a good story to tell:

“Countries and states that know how to transform their economies by focusing on renewable energy and technological innovation will be the winners in this new era. Their businesses will export their solutions around the world. And, thanks to their energy efficiency, they will be protected from rising energy costs.”

“In 2006, [Quebec's industry] reduced its emissions by more than seven per cent from 1990 (levels). During the same period, the GDP (gross domestic product) of Quebec rose by 41 per cent. There are 1,600 companies involved in green businesses, providing more than 34,000 jobs. Since 2003, average annual rate of investment in that sector has been just about 41 per cent”

Quebec’s new carbon reduction goal is the most ambitious in North America — in line with European targets and Charest held out the possibility of even more aggressive cuts following the UN climate summit. Equiterre promised to help them get there!

Quebec and B.C. have been leading a surge ahead of the cautious position of the Harper government as the Globe puts it (I’d add Ontario’s efforts to the list). But Quebec has gone to a new level with these targets and unapologetic pressure on Ottawa just days before the UN summit opens in Copenhagen.

And all well in line with mainstream Canadian public opinion too given weekend reports that three-quarters of us are “embarrassed” that Canada is “not doing more to curb emissions.”

More:

The Gazette: Quebec leads the green economy, Charest says

CP: Quebec Premier says Ottawa needs to do more to cut greenhouse gas emissions

Globe: Quebec splits with Ottawa on climate change

Canadians chagrined over status as climate-change dawdlers