04/10/2016

Joint Statement:

We are pleased to hear that Canada will put a price on carbon emissions, as most of the world’s biggest economies are doing.  Carbon pricing is the most economically effective way to reduce emissions and stimulate clean innovation – which will be critical to Canada’s success in a changing global economy.  The proposed Canada-wide approach works with provinces and territories, and allows for regionally-tailored paths towards a common goal.  By starting slowly and ramping up over 5 years, it gives businesses and households time to adjust and plan for lowering their carbon footprints. 

A rising carbon price is critical to put Canada on a path to meet its Paris climate commitments, and build the foundation for a cleaner, stronger economic future.  It will need to be part of an overall approach that includes world class regulations to promote energy efficiency and clean production, investments in clean infrastructure, and targeted public support to accelerate clean innovation across the economy, leveraging private capital.  A well-designed plan will secure Canadian competitiveness and jobs, while buffering any disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations and sectors.

Signed by: 

Kathy Bardswick, President & CEO, The Co-operators
“I fully support a Canada-wide carbon price rising predictably over time.”

Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company

Ross Beaty, Chairman, Pan American Silver Corp. // Executive Chairman, Alterra Power Corp
"I am delighted to see the federal government taking concrete action to address climate change. Their plan is a good step forward but it's only one step, and has to be bolstered by further action by each province, municipality and, quite frankly, citizen of our great country."

John Coyne, Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel, Unilever Canada

Guy Cormier, Chair of the Board, President and CEO, Desjardins Group
“Desjardins Group supports the Federal Government’s decision to impose a price on carbon, in respect to the provinces’ choice to either implement a similar cost or a cap-and-trade system. Desjardins believes that the time has come for all the sectors of the economy to include climate change considerations into their strategic plans, to take advantage of business opportunities, to reduce risks and to meet the needs of Canadians.”

Arlene Dickinson, CEO, Venture Communications
“There is no better way to get clean tech innovation to market, and to have it scale quickly, than a price on pollution and a set deadline for change. This move will accelerate research and development, increase venture capital investment and ensure large scale commercialization of clean tech by entrepreneurs. And that will help make Canada a global leader in clean growth across all parts of the economy.” 

Stewart Elgie, Professor, University of Ottawa & Co-chair, Smart Prosperity
“Carbon pricing is the most cost effective way to lower emissions and stimulate clean innovation.  This plan puts all parts of Canada on an economically viable path to lowering their GHGs.”

Darren Entwistle, President & CEO, TELUS
"TELUS supports putting a price on carbon to help spur clean growth and clean technology innovation." - attributable to Andrea Goertz, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, TELUS

Jean-François Huc, President & CEO, BioAmber
“BioAmber applauds this initiative by the Federal government, building on the work of the provinces . This is an important step towards Canada’s climate change goals.”

Jim Lopez, President &CEO, Tembec

David Miller, President & CEO, WWF Canada

Lorraine Mitchelmore, Co-Chair, Smart Prosperity // Former President & Country Chair, Shell Canada
“Pricing carbon is an important tool to reduce emissions and drive innovation towards a low carbon economy.  Innovation, together with access to tidewater, will allow Canada’s energy sector to be world leaders in clean production.”

Merrell-Ann Phare, Founding Executive Director, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources

Vicky Sharpe, Founding President & CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
“This is great news for Canadian cleantech companies - strong, consistent carbon pricing will boost domestic markets, increase their revenues putting them on  a stronger export trajectory.”

Jean Simard, President & CEO, Aluminum Association of Canada / Co-Founder & Director, SWITCH
“Canada is moving forward on its Paris commitment , while recognizing established regional carbon reduction initiatives and pricing policies. Industries can mobilize around this and help build a cleaner future for every one through energy efficiency, applied clean technology and game changing innovation.”

Merran Smith, Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada
“A price on carbon pollution across Canada is a huge step forward and an essential component of a credible climate plan. It’s the kind of leadership Canadians want and expect from the federal government.” 

Rick Smith, Eexcutive Director, Broadbent Institute

John Stackhouse, Sr. Vice-President, Office of the CEO, RBC // Former Editor-in-Chief, Globe and Mail
“This climate policy makes economic and environmental sense.  A rising, Canada-wide carbon price is the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions, spur private investment and stimulate clean innovation across the economy.  And by using the revenues to cut other taxes and invest in low carbon technology and infrastructure, Canada can be a global leader in cleaner growth.”

Kali Taylor, Founding Executive Director, Student Energy

Annette Verschuren, Co-Chair, Smart Prosperity // Chair & CEO, NRStor // Former President, Home Depot Canada
"This carbon pricing plan is a critical step towards a healthier environment and a stronger economy for all of Canada.  It puts us among the leading nations in the global shift towards cleaner growth. Three parts of it are particularly important.  First the clear, long term price signal provides predictability that will attract capital investment.  Second, it allows provinces and territories to customize their own approaches towards a common goal. Third, and most importantly, it will drive clean innovation and productivity across the country."

Galen Weston, Chairman, George Weston Ltd. // President and Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited 

Ed Whittingham, Executive Director, Pembina Institute
“Pricing carbon pollution needs to be a central element of the pan-Canadian climate plan, which is why today’s announcement is such an important milestone. It will help the country’s environment and economy as we compete for the rapidly growing global demand for clean energy.”

 

Media Contact:
Eric Campbell
613-462-3375
eric@smartprosperity.ca