In June you COULD sue the government over Kyoto!

I may just eat my words.

While dining with friends over the weekend I made a few statements regarding the lack of change in the Liberal party. The comments were premised on the notion that while Stephane Dion MAY (and I stress may) be more concerned about Canada's environmental impact and sustainability inititiatives, I did not believe that the party, as a whole, had changed. Not even an iota.

Well, blow me over.

I woke up this morning to the headlines of standing ovations and critical applause.

Apparently, the opposition (Liberals, Bloq and NDP), had managed to pass Bill C-288 -- a bill that demands the minority Conservative government to MEET KYOTO TARGETS.

Not only that but the Bill (now considered legislative law) would force Environment Minister John Baird to present a climate change plan within 60 days, providing a map for Canada to meet Kyoto's greenhouse gas reduction targets. The treaty calls for emission levels at 6 per cent below 1990 levels – a drastic reduction from current levels.

Wait, it gets better.

Within 90 day so the bill's passage, the federal cabinet is required to set out regulations on the petroleum and auto sectors, and other polluters -- targets that force them to meet Kyoto targets.

Now, this is where it gets better.

IF no action is taken, individual Canadians, environmental groups, lawyers – anyone – could take the federal government to court for contradicting the requirements of the law -- so says Montreal Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez, the sponsor of the private member's bill.

Apparently, however, the Conservatives are having none of it. Despite the passage of the Bill (and despite the desire of Canadians to back parties with environmental policies) the Conservatives have given every indication they plan to ignore the bill!

Their rational is that Kyoto targets are impossible to meet.

WOA! That means that as early as June we may actually see class action lawsuits against the minority Conservative government for failing in their duties as leaders of the country.

Wow.

However, those lawsuits may never see the inside of a courtroom. It appears that the Conservatives are banking on an election, as opposed to staying the course, in an effort to gain more support from the Canadian public. Buses, planes (and maybe the more environmentally friendly transportation option, trains) are being booked and prepped for as early as March for, what many political analysts see as, a Spring election.

You have to love the tedious battleground of Canadian politics. Just when you least expect it things get really interesting!


For more information on the bill go to: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070214.wkyoto0214/BNStory/National/home