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Prime
Minister Jean Chretien
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6
Mr. Prime Minister:
Associations responsible for governance of professions
seldom take an advocacy role on behalf of their membership
given the very diverse nature and personal interests
of their members. However, the Kyoto Protocol debate
has the potential to have such a dramatic impact on
our professions and working communities that we feel
compelled to address you.
The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists
and Geophysicists of Alberta is the licensing and regulatory
body for the approximately 37,000 professionals working
in Alberta and globally. Our legislated mandate is the
protection of public safety and welfare and of the environment.
Our membership represents the highest caliber of professionals
in technology education, research, development, industry,
government and consulting sectors. We, like all Canadians,
wish to protect our environment and to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
With the utmost respect for public interests, APEGGA
suggests that an imminent support of the Kyoto Protocol
is not warranted. It is apparent that Canadians lack
real information on the contents of the Kyoto Protocol,
the implementation plan or any objective and factual
assessment of the economic and social implications of
ratification. The federal government must work with
citizens and industry to research, debate and develop
a coordinated national strategy to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. This process would also include for review,
discussion and national debate, industry submissions
for non-Kyoto options for Canada's contribution to the
global climate change effort.
For our part, APEGGA professionals will continue to
work with research, development and implementation of
technology to advance environmental responsibility.
We have encouraged our members to keep informed and
involved in preparation for participation in a national
debate. We respectfully request that opportunity be
provided to all Canadians.
Sincerely,
Ronald S. Tenove, P.Eng.
President
Cc: Hon. Ralph Klein, Premier
Hon. Murray Smith, Minister of Energy
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