WOODSTOCK, Ont. - Canada's greenhouse gas emissions have stabilized in recent years, but the latest numbers are still 32 per cent above Kyoto Protocol targets, according to data sent to the United Nations on Friday.
Canada emitted 747 megatonnes of greenhouse gases in 2005, compared to the 1990 level of 596 megatonnes, according to data sent by Environment Canada to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
But the 2005 emission levels were unchanged from the previous year and only 0.3 per cent higher than in 2003.
Environment Canada suggested the emission levels went up only negligibly in part because of warmer winters, which lowered demand for heating fuels.
Speaking in Woodstock, Ont., at a clean energy expo, Environment Minister John Baird said the steady emission levels can also be linked to less reliance on coal-fired electricity and more nuclear and hydro generation.
He said the decision of former Ontario premier Mike Harris to increase nuclear capacity in the province is now paying dividends.
"The bottom line is more nuclear power was instrumental and the only reason for (emission levels staying steady)," Baird said. "Mike Harris's decision to ... get those reactors online was a big success for the environment.
"It's funny -- in one action, Mike Harris did more to help global warming than the Liberals did in 13 long years."
But the federal Liberals said the three-year trend in emissions is tied to the industrial sector, which was able to cut back on pollution while the economy still thrived.
The Liberals said more than 160 large Canadian companies combined to reduce their emissions by about 150,000 tonnes in 2005, while the economy grew 2.9 per cent and created 550,000 jobs.
Liberal environment critic David McGuinty said the Conservatives deceived the public about the ability to cut emissions without affecting the economy, and their climate change plan isn't strong enough.
"Stephane Dion provided real leadership on climate change that made industry act," McGuinty said in a statement. "But just as Canada was getting the job done, the Harper government stepped in and gave large industry a long vacation."
