Local Chamber weighs in on Kyoto

The Kyoto Protocol, ratified yesterday by the House of Commons, has more to do with politics than economics or the environment, says the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

The following is the full text of a statement issued by the Chamber this afternoon:

***************************************************************** Ratification only adds to uncertainty

Clear and detailed plan needed more than ever

Sault Ste Marie - Not surprised by the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons on ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has renewed its pledge to continue working on behalf of its 900 members towards a clear and detailed implementation plan from the government.

"It is clear that ratification is a politically motivated gesture, not based on economic or environmental considerations," states Ben Pascuzzi, President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

"This does not end the uncertainty for business and investors, as implementation costs are still unknown and undefined by the government.

"We will be watching closely the development of the plan and keeping our elected officials accountable for any part of the plan that threatens Canada's economic prosperity," Pascuzzi adds.

The Sault Chamber acknowledges the strong support of its members whose ongoing efforts since 1997 have succeeded in building public awareness about the economic impact of the Kyoto Protocol.

It also reiterates the organization's resolve in continuing to advance its position. To that end, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has set out five key principles that it will insist the government adhere to in developing its implementation plan.

They are:

- The plan must be built by consensus among all levels of government, the private sector and the public

- The plan must not unduly target any region of the country or sector of the economy

- The plan must be flexible, cost effective and attainable

- The plan must allow for normal capital stock turnover and the development of new technology, and

- The plan must focus on investments inside Canada.

The Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce concluded by impressing upon the government the need to move towards developing and implementing a detailed plan in order to ensure that economic concerns are addressed and Canada is in a position to respond to competitive pressures. ******************************************************************