Government of Canada Response to the U.S. Decision to Withdraw from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Gatineau, Quebec – June 1, 2017 – “Canada’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, released the following statement today in response to the decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change:

“While Canada is deeply disappointed that the United States has chosen to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to work with our global partners to address climate change and promote clean growth. It is the right thing to do for future generations and will create good jobs as we grow a clean economy.

Canada will continue to take leadership on climate change.

In September, we will co-host a Ministerial meeting with China and the European Union in Canada to move forward on the Paris Agreement and clean growth.

The Paris Agreement, negotiated by 195 countries, sent an important signal to the market. In fact, it has opened up $23 trillion in clean innovation opportunities for climate-smart investments in emerging markets between now and 2030.

Not only are countries around the world acting on climate change, so are businesses. They understand that tackling climate change is the right thing to do. It is good for business. Provinces, states, cities and Indigenous and local communities are also acting to protect our planet.

With or without the United States, the momentum around the Paris Agreement and climate action is unstoppable.

We are proud that last year, we announced the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that demonstrates the commitment of the federal government and the provinces to work with Indigenous peoples, business, environmentalists and all Canadians to grow the economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help our communities adapt to the changing climate.

Canada will continue to take a leadership role to tackle climate change at home and abroad.

We understand the clear economic opportunity. We also understand that we need to leave a more sustainable planet to our children and grandchildren.”