THUNDER BAY, ON - December 8, 2009 - OTTAWA – Today the climate change debate in Canada took an important step forward when the country’s only federal climate change legislation was sent for a final vote in the House of Commons. Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act, was introduced as a private members’ bill by Deputy New Democrat Environment Critic Bruce Hyer in February, but had been stalled in the House Standing Committee on the Environment since April 2nd of this year.

“I am pleased that this landmark climate change legislation has been moved forward, despite repeated attempts to delay it by Liberals and Conservatives, both in the House and in Committee. I sincerely hope that they hear the demands of the clear majority of Canadians and support Canada’s only climate change legislation in the House when it comes up for a final vote.” said Hyer, MP for Thunder Bay–Superior North.

As no amendments to C-311 were proposed over months of hearings, NDP Environment Critic Linda Duncan (Edmonton–Strathcona) moved that the Bill be returned to the House without any further delay. Liberal Committee Members were the only ones to vote against returning C-311 back to the House. Liberal Environment Critic David McGuinty filibustered the Committee before it endorsed moving the Bill forward.

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton attended hearings and said “We’ve been building support for this bill for years. I am delighted with the work of my caucus colleagues on this legislation. Their persistence has paid off. We’re one step closer to hard emissions targets for Canada.”

A final vote on Bill C-311, expected in the New Year, will commit the federal government to achieving science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, and make it accountable through reports to Parliament on actions taken to meet the targets.

“I would hope that Members from all parties realize that the time for delaying on climate change is over and that past inaction is no longer an excuse” said Layton, who heads for Copenhagen next week.