Montreal — Montreal will host an international conference on climate change in December, Prime Minister Paul Martin said Wednesday.
The meeting will mark the beginning of discussions among countries to determine a longer term global approach on climate change after 2012.
“Taking on a leadership role by hosting this meeting is profoundly in Canada's best interest,” Mr. Martin said.
“Canadians want us to prepare for the future. That means an environmental commitment to clear air, clean water and good health.”
Mr. Martin made the announcement hours after the Kyoto protocol officially took effect.
The agreement was negotiated in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 and ratified by 140 countries including Canada, but not by the United States — the world leader in greenhouse gas emissions.
It calls on 35 industrialized countries to curb the release of carbon dioxide and five other gases from the burning of oil and coal and other processes.
Environment Minister Stéphane Dion said Tuesday that Canada's plan to implement the agreement would be spelled out in the coming weeks.
