The federal government unveiled a billion-dollar plan for battling global climate change Tuesday, but it takes Canada only a small step toward meeting its commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.

The plan aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 20,000 tonnes over the next five years.




When it ratified the Kyoto accord last December, Canada committed to slashing emissions 240,000 tonnes by 2010.

The plan announced Tuesday offers incentives to both consumers and industry to save energy and cut the production of greenhouse gases.

Included are:

  • $131 million worth of incentives to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient and to buy environmentally friendly products.
  • $553 million to help businesses develop new emission-reduction technology, cut their own emissions using current technology and invest in tree plantations to absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
  • $321 million to be used in partnerships with the provinces and aboriginal groups for emission-reducing projects.




The Kyoto package also includes $100 million to expand Canada's ethanol production as an alternative to fuels that create more harmful emissions.

'No choice but to act'

"Extreme weather events around the globe and here in Canada have underscored the devastating effects of global warming," said Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. "We have no choice but to act."

The prime minister also announced a $45-million public awareness program relating to the Kyoto cleanup.

Chrétien said the billion-dollar plan brings Canada's spending on the battle against greenhouse gases to $3.7 billion.

The leader of the Opposition wasn't impressed with the plan.

Stephen Harper accused Ottawa of throwing money at the climate change issue – money that could be used for other purposes such as tax cuts.

"At the rate they're going they'll spend $15 billion and it will take them nowhere near their Kyoto target," he said.