OTTAWA – Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is on “pins and needles” as his private member’s bill comes up for a vote at 5:30PM today in the House of Commons. The bill was introduced on February 10, 2009 by Hyer, the Deputy Environment Critic for the NDP. It passed its first vote (at Second Reading) in the House of Commons on April 1st, 2009.
Despite being stalled at committee stage until the end of 2009, no party proposed any amendments and the bill was returned to the House without changes. After overcoming an unexpected Report Stage vote challenge on April 14, 2010, the bill’s tortuous journey has at last brought it to a final (Third Reading) vote in the House of Commons.
“After more than a year, I’m glad that we will finally have a chance to pass this crucial bill to tackle climate change.” said Hyer. “Canadians want action on climate change, and are doubtful that the government will deliver. I am hopeful that MPs of all stripes will come together to fill the leadership vacuum, and pass Canada’s only federal climate change legislation.”
C-311 sets science-based long term targets to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050, and requires the government publish regular independently-reviewed plans to reach interim targets, amongst other accountability measures.