Re: "Tories continue the war on science, environment," Sept. 12.
Our government has an exceptional record on climate change mitigation, on science-based policy development, research investment and stewardship of Canada's environment.
Whether our sector-by-sector regulation of greenhouse-gas emissions (we're just over halfway to our 2020 Copenhagen reduction target), the recently announced national wastewater management regulations, or the doubling of protected natural spaces under Parks Canada, our record is clear for those who wish to take note.
Over the past five years, our government has provided nearly $8 billion in new investments in Canadian scientific talent, world-class research excellence and linkages between knowledge and innovation in the global economy.
In the past year alone, our government provided more than $11 billion in investments in support of science and technology.
These investments are leading to jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.
On the matter of arctic ozone monitoring, Environment Canada maintains world leadership in the science.
Andrew Weaver incorrectly states that our government "shut down" the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL).
In fact, where the previous Liberal government did mothball PEARL, Environment Canada continues to fund and maintain the facility, awaiting researchers who might again win funding through the grant competition administered by the independent National Centres of Excellence competition.
We did provide written support last year for a funding application; unfortunately, the research proposal was not successful.
Peter Kent
Minister of the Environment Ottawa
