The Manitoba government tabled a bill Friday it says will let the province meet its Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction targets, but the opposition Liberals say the bill is missing key elements.

"Our action today demonstrates we are standing by our 2012 Kyoto commitment with legislative tools, forward planning and significant investments," NDP Premier Gary Doer said Friday in a news release. "We are joining with the public, business and others in building a more green and prosperous future."

NDP Premier Gary Doer says the new bill shows his government is 'standing by our 2012 Kyoto commitment.'
(CBC)

The bill, which would be backed by $145 million in funding over four years, commits the province to cutting about three megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 to bring emissions back to pre-1990 levels. The government says that's the equivalent of pulling roughly half a million cars off the road.

The bill "really provides the framework that will allow an action plan to proceed," Doer said.

"If we don't achieve it, I suggest the ultimate penalty in 2011 will be the defeat of the government," he said, pointing to the next expected election year.

The bill takes dead aim at automobile emissions.

If it is passed, the province could become the first to allow low-speed electric cars such as the Canadian-made Zenn on the road.

The car, which is not legal in Canada yet, was designed for city travel — it is only capable of speeds up to 40 km/h. British Columbia is also considering legislative changes that would make it legal.

The bill would also forbid the import for resale of cars and trucks manufactured before 1995, which tend to be more polluting, with an exemption for cars designated as antiques or classics.

Liberals pan lack of agriculture rules

The province hopes to develop vehicle emission standards for all cars and trucks, but only after an advisory board draws them up. That may occur after the federal government draws up national standards it has already promised.

The bill also provides for energy-efficiency requirements for new home furnaces and government-funded buildings, but Doer said he wants to consult industry experts before proceeding on that front.

The bill would also require Manitoba Hydro to burn coal only in emergency situations. The Crown corporation is already phasing out its last coal-fired plant in Brandon.

Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said the bill has a major hole.

"I'm disappointed that there's no plan for agriculture, which is a major area where we're increasing dramatically at the moment," Gerrard said.

Gerrard had hoped the province would boost funding for Winnipeg's planned rapid transit system. Instead, the government recommitted to the existing 50-50 funding share for municipal transit systems.

With files from the Canadian Press