Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday that he will respect the Kyoto climate-change bill that opposition parties pushed through the previous evening.
But in the next breath, Harper downplayed the legislation as a toothless measure with "no plan of action" behind it.
Bill C-288, the Kyoto protocol implementation act, requires that the Conservative government respect Canada's commitments under the Kyoto accord.
It passed easily in the House with the backing of the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois.
"Of course, if and when that becomes law, the government would respect it," said the prime minister.
But he added: "I would point out that the bill has no plan of action in it. The bill gives the government no authority to spend any money to actually have a plan of action."
On Wednesday, Environment Minister John Baird asked how the government could implement a bill "with no money and no regulatory powers" behind it. "So it's a bit of a joke," he said.
In a heated exchange in question period, NDP Leader Jack Layton said Thursday that the prime minister was "duty bound" to fulfill Canada's obligations under the international climate treaty.
Under Kyoto, Canada agreed to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases to six per cent below 1990 levels from 2008 to 2012. Canada ratified Kyoto in 2002 under the former Liberal government.
But because of a "lack of action by the Liberal Party," said Layton, Canada is "lagging behind."
"Why does the prime say he won't respect a bill that was adopted by a majority of elected members?"
The prime minister said he will bring in a national system regulations to control both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in a way that will preserve jobs and the economy.
"This government is the first in history to commit to reduce regulations for greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, for all industries across the country," said Harper. "With respect to yesterday's bill, ... this bill does not provide for an action plan or any type of funding to meet its objective."
Harper then took a shot at Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, saying Thursday that Dion's plan "failed so badly" as environment minister under the last Liberal government that "he's now asking us to produce one for him."
The Tories repeatedly tried to kill the bill, attempting procedural tactics to have it declared invalid up until the day of the final vote in the Commons.
Constitutional experts have warned that the government has no choice but to respect the legislation if it is passed by the Senate.
Al Gore announces Live Earth
Meanwhile, former U.S. vice-president Al Gore has announced a world-wide concert campaign this summer, to raise awareness about climate change.
The event will be called Live Earth and feature more than 100 acts, including such diverse artists as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, country music star Faith Hill and Jon Bon Jovi.
"We have a climate crisis that is a planetary emergency," said Gore.
The massive event will be produced by Kevin Wall, who oversaw the Live 8 concerts. Organizers hope to have shows on every continent -- including Antarctica.
"On July 7, we will move a billion people around the world," said Wall.
With a report by CTV's Tom Walters
