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VANCOUVER – Action on climate change will top Premier Gordon Campbell’s agenda as he attends the Western Premiers’ Conference in Iqaluit, Nunavut, July 4 to 6.
“We know that temperatures are rising in the Arctic at a
faster rate than the rest of the globe, permafrost temperatures are rising, and
sea ice is shrinking,” Campbell said. “All jurisdictions are recognizing
the urgent need for collaboration to reduce emissions and make new progress on
adaptation, research and planning.”
This is the first time the Western Premiers’
Conference has been held in Nunavut. The Western Premiers’ Conference is an
annual meeting that brings together premiers from the Yukon, Northwest
Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
B.C. will also share ideas to work collaboratively
with other provinces and territories to promote healthy living among Canadians,
including initiatives currently being promoted through ActNow BC. In addition
to adaptation to climate change and healthy living, premiers will discuss the
Northern Vision – a document issued by the
territorial premiers in May that
outlines a future vision of the North. They will also discuss the
unique challenges for communities in rural and remote areas. Nunavut’s
26 communities are spread across nearly two million square km – almost
one-fifth of Canada. Its population is over 29,000, 85 per cent of whom are
Inuit.
“Western and northern jurisdictions are
confronting common issues – the need for climate action; developing healthy,
sustainable communities; engaging First Nations and enhancing their role in our
economy and society,” said Campbell. “The voice of Canada’s North is critical
to the country’s action on these issues.”
In February, British Columbia announced it will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 33 per cent by 2020 and laid out plans to forge a Pacific Coast Collaborative – establishing a framework for leadership and co-operative action for the Pacific coast region. The Province has joined the Western Climate Initiative and the Climate Registry, and has signed agreements with California and Washington State that set out joint action on climate change and Pacific Ocean conservation.
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Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
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