A group of Canadian corporate executives whose companies together employ more than a million people is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers to press ahead with collective climate action. An open letter to the first ministers is being made public this morning.
It comes ahead of a planned meeting early next month in Ottawa, where the federal Liberals hope to finalize a pan-Canadian plan with all the provinces and territories.
The 60-plus signatories include business leaders representing oil and gas, mining, forestry products, cement making, aluminium smelting, information technology, banking, grocery retail and building materials.
Their common message is that enlightened self-interest dictates Canada strive to be at the front of the pack as the global economy makes a historic shift.
That includes putting a price on carbon, which the letter calls the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions, stimulate innovation and drive energy efficiency.
Shell Canada president Michael Crothers says the letter is aimed not so much as the premiers, but was drafted to foster discussions on the issue with other industrial sectors.
