NEWS RELEASE

Canadian parliamentarians discuss climate change strategies in Suriname

On August 8–9, 2019, the Honourable David M. Wells, Senator and Mr. T.J. Harvey, M.P. represented the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas at ParlAmericas’ 4^th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change in Paramaribo, Suriname.

At the meeting, delegates from 16 nations in the Americas and the Caribbean discussed the impacts of climate change, the ways in which their countries can adapt to climate change and become more resilient to it, and the role of legislators in reducing global emissions and preventing a global average temperature increase of more than 1.5°C above a pre-industrial baseline.

Delegates discussed the sources of, and access to, international funding for climate change adaptation, and examined the contribution that legislative measures can make regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation in such areas as health, disaster risk reduction, and ocean and coastal protection. As well, in presenting a case study concerning Canada's offshore oil and gas sector, Senator Wells noted that better outcomes can result from environmental regulation that is not prescriptive, but that instead is based on goals and objectives. Finally, delegates elected Canadian Senator Rosa Galvez as the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change’s Vice President–North America.

"I am delighted that Senator Galvez was elected as a Vice President for ParlAmericas’ Parliamentary Network on Climate Change,” commented the Honourable Bob Nault, P.C., M.P., President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas. He added: "Her leadership role will strengthen Canada’s voice in the hemisphere concerning efforts to combat climate change, and to implement mitigation and adaptation measures. Legislators throughout our hemisphere must actively support the work being done in their countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions for 2020, and to surpass previous levels of ambition in order to meet the emissions reduction goals outlined in the Paris Agreement."

"ParlAmericas’ Parliamentary Network on Climate Change is an important venue for disseminating information, and facilitating discussions, about climate change-related measures and legislative practices across the hemisphere," said Senator Wells. "Legislators have an important role to play in supporting policies, regulations and legislation that will positively influence practices that mitigate climate change in all sectors."

"At the meeting, delegates heard that the climate change mitigation and adaptation measures that are appropriate for northern landscapes may be very different from those needed in tropical areas. As well, they may be different in large countries than in small island states," noted Mr. Harvey. "Certainly, sharing information and best practices – particularly among countries that are facing similar challenges – is critically important.”

Founded in 2001 in Ottawa, ParlAmericas is the only interparliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada. The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas has worked closely with the Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

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To arrange an interview with the Hon. Bob Nault, President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, please contact:

Julian Morelli
(613) 996-1161
bob.nault.a1@parl.gc.ca

Melissa Dawe
(613) 996-1161
bob.nault.a2@parl.gc.ca