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About KyotoSmart

By ratifying the Kyoto Protocol in December 2002, the federal government formally committed Canada to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to an average of six per cent below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. In choosing how it will fulfill this commitment, policies and measures are needed that will promote the establishment of Canada as a leader in the emerging new energy-efficient and hydrogen-based economy.

KyotoSmart believes that meeting Canada's Kyoto commitment must be done in an intelligent manner that will focus on the opportunities for innovation and corresponding job growth, and build on the success of industries that have already reduced their emissions through energy conservation, technological innovation and converting to more climate-friendly sources of energy. Whatever their particular views on the Protocol, it is clear that Canadians see Kyoto as an exciting opportunity for Canada to become a leader in developing technological innovations for the energy and transportation sectors. Doing so will ensure that Canada is able to maintain its strong economic growth while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

Participants in the KyotoSmart network agree to support and strive to realize the following objectives:

• Ensure that the implementation of Canada's Kyoto commitments maximizes reduction opportunities at home, thereby providing all Canadians with the environmental, technological and health benefits associated with emission reductions;

• Promote Canada's transition into the emerging new global, carbon-constrained economy through the advancement of a Canadian emissions trading system that rewards Canadian innovation, supports the competitiveness of Canadian industry and provides incentives for low-emission technologies;

• Achieve recognition of early action for emission reductions, or at the very least do not put those sectors that have taken on early actions at a disadvantage; and

• Ensure fairness in the implementation of Canada's climate change plan, so that all regions, workers, communities and economic sectors equitably share responsibility and economic opportunities.