The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) applauded the Liberal Party and incoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on their historic victory in the recent Canadian general election. The association said it was pleased that the Liberal Party is committed to national leadership on climate change as well as joining provinces and territories to put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution. Additionally, CAC commended the party’s commitment to significant investment in sustainable infrastructure to help make the country’s communities safer and more resilient.
“The cement and concrete industry agree that putting a price on carbon is an essential first step to accelerate the leadership and investment in a low carbon future that is already evident in our industry and in some other sectors,” said CAC President and CEO Michael McSweeney. “Like the Prime Minister-designate, our industry is a strong proponent of collaboration. When it comes to addressing climate change, we’re walking the talk not only by reducing our emissions, but by helping governments and communities across Canada adapt and secure a low carbon and prosperous future.”
As part of their election platform, the Liberal Party committed to a $2 billion Low Carbon Economy Trust that will fund projects that help reduce carbon emissions and, appropriately, help place municipalities at the forefront of renewed investment in greener and more prosperous communities. “As these and other infrastructure investments are made, the Cement Association of Canada urges the new government to make life cycle assessment a core tool for decision-making as they seek the greatest economic, environmental and social value from investments in our built environment,” McSweeney said.
McSweeney also noted, “Canada must show leadership on climate change. The cement and concrete industry know this is a collective challenge and stand ready to do our part. With Canada’s most populous provinces already moving ahead with carbon pricing and other climate policies, a key role for the federal government will be to encourage national coherence, but most importantly, to secure Canada’s trade competitiveness in markets that have yet to adopt equivalent climate policies. ”
