A local MP’s bill to force the federal government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is on its way to the Senate after passing third reading Wednesday evening.
The Climate Change Accountability Act, a private member’s bill by Thunder Bay-Superior North NDP MP Bruce Hyer, would make Canada cut its greenhouse gas emissions to 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
The bill, which passed 149-136 to the cheers of opposition members, would also force the federal government to introduce five-year target plans starting in 2015.
Emissions in every province would be limited under the act. Individuals within corporations who commit crimes under the act would be subject to punishment even if the corporation itself wasn’t prosecuted.
Earlier Wednesday Hyer said the bill, which he called "aggressive", would revolutionize Canada’s ecology and economy by making the country focus on renewable energy.
Hyer was confident the bill would have enough opposition votes to pass but said he was still nervous because private member's bill rarely go to a third reading.
The bill will now go before the Senate.
