Statement - France-Canada Climate Partnership

PARIS, Dec. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - France and Canada share a common commitment to climate action and transitioning to a low carbon economy; both countries have taken domestic action to address climate change.

On 9 December 2016, Canada's federal government, with the provincial and territorial governments, adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. On 6 July 2017, the Government of France adopted the Climate Plan with the aim to accelerate the energy and climate transition.

To build on these domestic plans, France and Canada will be joining their efforts to promote the quick implementation of the Paris Agreement, including the completion of the work program in 2018, and advancement of the Gender Action Plan and the Indigenous Peoples Platform.

Minister Catherine McKenna and Minister Nicolas Hulot decided to develop a joint action plan for a France-Canada Partnership on Climate. These efforts will aim to support global momentum for climate action.

The France-Canada Partnership on Climate will include initiatives such as:

• Joint action at the International Maritime Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation to adopt ambitious targets to reduce international sea and air transport emissions as well as to maintain ambition and support for the implementation for the launch of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation;
• Promoting efficient carbon pricing and greater harmonisation of practices;
• Promoting sustainable development in international bodies, including by promoting mutual support between international economic and trade and climate commitments;
• Including climate in development assistance actions;
• Reducing emissions in the forestry and agriculture sectors;
• Working jointly on green technology research and innovation;
• Developing  green financing;
• Advancing international leadership on conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources, resilient coasts and communities, clean growth and energy.

As members of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, France and Canada will also work together on tools to support countries that want to phase out coal, such as promoting best practices and technologies and climate finance solutions for renewable energy and energy storage.

Ministers decided to work together and develop a joint proposal for their leaders in early 2018.

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada