An MP is considering a trip to South Africa on his own dime to attend climate change talks.
The Harper-led Conservative government stated Wednesday that opposition MPs would not be welcome on a trip to Durban, South Africa for the upcoming United Nations climate change meeting.
The delegation will include Conservative MPs, business leaders and experts.
MP Bruce Hyer (NDP, Thunder Bay-Superior North) said he’s sad and disappointed with the decision, but added that it goes to show how uninterested Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in the discussion on climate change.
“Clearly he has never wanted to talk about climate change,” Hyer said.
Hyer has a keen interest in climate change. His bill on the subject, which passed in the House, caused controversy when it was killed by the Senate last year. He’s currently counting Airmiles to see if he has enough points to get him to the meeting.
“If I can figure out a way to get there I’m kind of interested in going myself,” Hyer said.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent told the House Wednesday that he would think about letting opposition MPs be representatives of Canada at the meeting if they pay their own way.
The meetings run from Nov. 28 to Dec.9.
