The Pembina Institute and David Suzuki Foundation have produced an impressive new report, financed by the Toronto Dominion Bank, detailing the economic implications of achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets.  This report confirms earlier economic studies on the potential for improving energy productivity (such as the Kyoto and Beyond study written by energy analyst Ralph Torrie for CANnet and the David Suzuki Foundation in 2002) and essentially modeling the Green Party plan presented in Vision Green.

"This new report confirms our championing of growth in jobs and prosperity while rapidly reducing fossil fuel addiction," said Green Leader Elizabeth May. "This path requires courage. While some find change frightening, staying on our current course will be catastrophic.  Revolutionizing our economy to one producing more jobs, cleaner air and a modern, green society is possible and Greens are the first to rise to the challenge."

The report forecasts that Canada's economy will have to shift and change regionally with some provinces experiencing a slowdown in growth, but with employment levels continuing to rise.  "The recommendations in the report can also be found in our platform, including stronger fuel efficiency standards, putting a price on carbon, investing in energy efficiency and clean technology," said Green Critic Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu.

"As Copenhagen nears, this report highlights that with leadership, greenhouse gas reduction targets are within our reach.  These numbers show that it can be done.  But it must be done quickly, if we stall any longer, the costs will simply continue to rise and we will also have to deal with the costs of the changing climate," said Mugnatto-Hamu.

"These important targets can be met and they can be met while increasing employment and maintaining quality of life in Canada," said May. "We can forge our own path ahead; we don't have to wait for the US, we know what we should be doing. Now, let's get on with it."

[From: Green Party of Canada website]