The Conservative government of Canada contacted chief executives in the Canadian auto industry to warn of plans to impose a widespread tightening of restrictions on emissions standards. The changes will come into effect as of 2010, when a voluntary agreement runs out.
The meeting was brokered by Canadian Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, and witnessed the government calling for tough environmental rules for the industry. All major industries, Flaherty said, would be subject to the new regulations.
Speaking on the matter, Flaherty said: "We can't have one sector or industry not involved in environmental regulation and the effort for clean air and improving health in Canada. All sectors of the Canadian economy are involved in the regulatory effort. They will all be regulated."
The Conservative government has come under fire for dismissing the 1994 Kyoto Protocol, in a move that echoed the American Government’s decision. The Canadians are drafting their own ‘green plan.’
The president of Canadian auto workers came away from the agreement releieved: "They certainly didn't say they're coming in with the California standards so I feel a little better in that sense."
Emissions restrictions are tight in the UK, where huge numbers of new vehicles take to the road every month.
