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Conservatives are getting the job done

The reality is our government has an enviable record on the environment

Re: Protecting Canada’s environment, Letters (Feb. 13)

Try as she might, Liberal Party of Canada environment critic Kirsty Duncan can’t hide the fact that when it comes to the environment, the Conservative government is getting the job done.

The reality is our government has an enviable record on the environment.

We’ve protected air and water and are making substantial investments in clean energy. Thanks to the Conservative government we’ve expanded the area protected by Parks Canada by over 50 per cent.

Between 2005 and 2010, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 6.5 per cent while the economy has grown by 6.3 per cent. Canada is now half way towards its 2020 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.

According to the just released 2012 Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), over the last year emissions of mercury are down 23 per cent. Lead was down 21 per cent, while sulfur oxides were seven per cent lower and nitrogen oxide was down six per cent. These are just a few examples of real, measurable results our policies have achieved.

Contrary to the assertions of the Liberal critic, we are cutting red tape – not protection.

For example, our waterways continue to be protected under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Fisheries Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, as well as marine safety legislation.

Speaking on the Conservative government’s action on the environment, Scott Vaughan, Environment Commissioner, said “I don’t have the slightest doubt that this government is absolutely focused on actually closing the gaps that we have actually identified.”

Our record stands in contrast to that of the Liberal Party of Canada. While they talked a good game they “didn’t get it done.”

Our Conservative government will continue to deliver real results for our environment.

Mark Strahl, MP

Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon