House votes to ratify Kyoto protocol

OTTAWA -- The House of Commons voted in support of the Kyoto protocol Tuesday, moving the country one step closer to ratification and setting the stage for changes in the Canadian economy and lifestyle.

MPs voted 195-77 to support ratification, with the Liberals being joined by the New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois to defeat the Canadian Alliance and the Conservatives.

''I'm very happy, it's a great day,'' declared Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who has promised to ratify the climate-change accord by the end of the year.

But Alliance Leader Stephen Harper slammed the government for pushing ahead without full details on how Kyoto's targets for cutting greenhouse gases can be achieved.

''It was an incredibly stupid decision, and without precedent, to adopt an international accord with enormous economic ramifications potentially for this country and to do so without a plan,'' Harper said.

The accord has come under heavy fire from industry and some politicians who say it will cost the economy billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.

The government dismisses such criticism, saying Kyoto will have a negligible effect on the economy.

Under Kyoto - negotiated by more than 160 countries in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan - Canada must cut average annual greenhouse gas emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels over the years 2008-2012.

Most scientists say rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing average temperatures to rise, disrupting weather patterns around the world.

The consequences of warming are projected to include more droughts, heat waves and storms, rising sea levels that will flood coastal areas and the movement of new pests and diseases from tropical to northern regions.

Since Canada's emissions have risen substantially since 1990, achieving the Kyoto target will require a cut of 20 to 30 per cent from current levels.

The Commons vote was not legally required for ratification, but is seen as an important signal to citizens, businesses and the world.

''It's great,'' said Gerry Scott of the David Suzuki Foundation. ''It's a step forward for Canada and it's a step forward for the global effort to protect the climate.''

Paul Martin, the front-running candidate to become next leader of the Liberal party, voted for ratification, as did Health Minister Anne McLellan, who has suggested she will resign if the treaty hurts Alberta.

Scott Reid, a spokesman for Martin, shot down speculation that Martin would - if he became prime minister - back away from the Kyoto commitments.

''Will he have a more collaborative approach? Absolutely. Is he prepared to compromise on the targets? Not at all.''

On Monday, Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, who opposes Kyoto, said he expected Martin to have ''a new outlook and a new approach'' to Kyoto if he succeeds Chretien in 2004.

Nancy Hughes Anthony, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said that by moving ahead with Kyoto, ''the government has decided to commit Canadians without the benefit of a detailed game plan or any clear sense of the cost to the country.''

''Ratification does not end the uncertainty for Canadian business, consumers or investors,'' she said.

But Greenpeace spokesman Steven Guilbeault said Kyoto compliance will mean a cleaner economy and more efficient cars and homes that will save money on energy.

''We're confident that it can be done. We only ask now that it be done.''

Earlier Tuesday, Chretien dismissed suggestions that a future prime minister might back out of the deal.

''He has no choice because it's an international obligation,'' Chretien said.

''Canada is a country with a great reputation. When we're involved, we respect our word. It (ratification) is not a political gesture, it's extremely important for future generations.''

The Liberals shut down the Commons debate on Kyoto on Monday after about 40 hours of discussion, including an 11-hour filibuster by Alliance MP Bob Mills.