Layton promises one-quarter cut in greenhouse gas emissions
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 7, 2005 | 12:03 AM ET
CBC News
Layton slammed the Liberals' environmental record while speaking to reporters outside an international climate change conference in Montreal.
"It is a disgrace that our emissions, after we have been promised by Mr. Martin that they would be reduced by 20 per cent, are up by 24 per cent – worst in the developed world," Layton said while campaigning for the Jan. 23 election.
Layton's plan includes the creation of a new clean water act that would set national standards for drinking water; an act to force polluters to clean up, and a new clean air act.
Jack Layton in Montreal during a rally for Montreal-area candidates. (CP photo)
He also proposed a $10-billion plan to retro-fit hundreds of thousands of homes with more energy-efficient technology.
Layton said that by 2020, greenhouse gas emissions would be 25 per cent below what they were in 1990. But the leader refused to put a price on his plan.
"Well, first of all, the proposals that would achieve that objective don't necessarily have to involve great costs. In fact, quite a few of the initiatives can be very profitable for Canadian companies and individuals. We're proposing, for example, today the largest building renovation project that has ever been proposed in Canada."
Layton's plan is to give federal loans for a massive home renovation program to insulate Canadian homes and buildings.
He called for $1.5 billion in loans in the first year. But that would not achieve the deep cuts in greenhouse gases that Layton wants. For the rest, he says he has plans but no details yet.
"We'll bring the details of the transit element and the green car element and the renewable energy elements out as the campaign unfolds," he said.
