Canada’s Kyoto stance stays strong

Canada’s position on the Kyoto Protocol is causing a stir at this week’s international climate change negotiations.

Host country South Africa is urging Canada to reconsider turning its back on Kyoto, while Europe pushes for a new and binding phase of the pact.

However, Environment Minister Peter Kent maintains Canada will not be giving its support to Kyoto.

South African delegates have accused Kent of bullying poorer countries into backing Canada’s stance, but the environment minister previously noted Canada has already pledged about $1.2 billion over three years to help start a green fund to help developing countries tackle global warming.