Canadian Provinces Continue To Take The Lead On Climate Change Initiatives

In the absence of recent activity at the federal government level, Canadian provinces continue to take the lead on climate change initiatives. In late November, Canada's two most populous provinces, Ontario and Quebec, issued a Memorandum of Understanding in which they agreed to collaborate on "concerted climate change actions" said to include harmonizing data collection and GHG reporting requirements, exploring the use of market based mechanisms in Ontario, sharing knowledge and promoting the transition to a low carbon economy through initiatives such as setting a price on carbon and adopting cleaner fuel standards. The MOU also says the two provinces will strengthen joint efforts to increase collaboration with the government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments. The MOU specifically states that it does not create legally binding obligations on Ontario and Quebec and it may be terminated by either province on two months' notice.