Quebec sets ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emissions
Quebec is positioning itself as a leader on the issue of greenhouse gas emission reductions.
It's matching ambitious targets set by the European Union.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest made the announcement at a huge luncheon conference of business leaders and environmentalists in Montreal: that Quebec will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020.
Charest took the opportunity to criticize the federal government's own goals, which works out to a 3% decrease.
But how to reach Quebec's goal?
Charest says by investing and developing public transit and electric modes of transport, stopping urban sprawl, eliminating oil heating systems, among other measures.
"We believe this is important to move (on this) because our children and grandchildren expect us to make the right decisions," Charest told reporters.
Charest says it will also require a carbon cap and trade system by 2012, adding Ottawa may not have a choice.
"Once the Americans are going down that road, they obviously have to sign on it."
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