Canada and China strengthen partnership on climate and environment

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians know that climate change is real and expect their government to have a climate action plan. The Government of Canada's plan has reduced emissions and is protecting the environment while building a strong economy. Pollution knows no borders, and Canada is proud to be among the countries taking leadership in the global fight against climate change.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, and the Minister of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Li Ganjie, signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding on climate change cooperation between Canada and China. Both countries are committed to addressing climate change and deepening the long-standing partnership on environmental issues.

The signing occurred at the conclusion of the Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment and the first Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change. During the dialogues, Minister McKenna and Minister Li Ganjie discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation on environmental enforcement and climate change among other topics related to the protection of the global environment.

The memorandum of understanding builds on the Canada-China Joint Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth issued by Canada's Prime Minister Trudeau and China's Premier Li Keqiang, in December 2017, and establishes a forum for ongoing cooperation and action on climate change. It will also promote Canada-China cooperation on projects to combat climate change and contribute to the global transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. A transition to a clean, low-carbon economy could be worth US$26 trillion by 2030 and generate over 65 million new low-carbon jobs. Canadian companies are taking advantage of this extraordinary economic opportunity, developing the practical clean solutions that will protect our environment and create the jobs of tomorrow, and several have already set up operations in China.

Canada and China are committed to fully implementing the Paris Agreement and championing the transition to a competitive, low-carbon economy and society. Both countries will continue the bilateral dialogue on international negotiations and policies on climate change. Canada and China will also share knowledge on domestic climate change measures such as carbon pricing and the transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean-energy future, which will create good middle-class jobs.

Through this memorandum of understanding, both countries will encourage and promote comprehensive cooperation and partnership in public and private sectors, including government departments; subnational, regional, and local governments; relevant institutions; research centres; businesses and industries; and civil society.

Canada and China recognize that the environment and the economy go hand in hand, and they remain unwavering in their dedication to climate leadership.

Quotes

"Canada and China continue to build on a long-standing history of collaboration on the environment and climate change. Pollution knows no borders; global environmental challenges require global solutions. I'm proud that, together, Canada and China are taking climate action and supporting the practical clean solutions that will strengthen our economies and protect our shared environment."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Associated Links

• Canada-China Joint Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth
• China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development
• The China Council: global climate change cooperation

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada