On Oct. 28, 2016, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna re-invites CPC MP and environment critic Ed Fast to be part of the Canadian delegation to COP22.
Original Title
Environment Minister McKenna's new invitation to CPC MP Fast
On Oct. 28, 2016, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna re-invites CPC MP and environment critic Ed Fast to be part of the Canadian delegation to COP22.
On Oct. 28, 2016, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna re-invites CPC MP and environment critic Ed Fast to be part of the Canadian delegation to COP22.
Ministre de I'Environnement et du Changement climatique
Ottawa, Canada K1 A OH3
OCT 2 8 2016 The Honourable Edward Fast, P.C., M.P. Abbotsford House of Commons Ottawa ON K1A OA6
Dear Mr. Fast:
I have had the opportunity to review your letter of October 27, 2016, concerning the Government of Canada's invitation for you as a Conservative Member of Parliament to join Canada's delegation to the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held from November 7 to 14 in Morocco. This invitation was extended to each of the political parties represented in the House of Commons. As you know, the previous government often chose not to invite opposition representatives to international events in which Canada was a participant. One of the first acts of the current government was to put an end to that practice, and it has facilitated the participation of opposition members of Parliament in numerous international events since the swearing in of the new government. While the Canadian Delegation Agreement does not prohibit you from giving media interviews or expressing the views of the Official Opposition, the version of the Agreement you received should not have included any reference that could be perceived as limiting the ability of a delegate to interact with the media. I will be directing Environment and Climate Change Canada officials to amend the Agreement accordingly. I understand that the media plays an important role in communicating to Canadians on such important issues as climate change. At COP 22, Canadian delegates are free to interact with the media as they see fit, barring the sharing of confidential negotiating information they may receive as a result of their participation in Canadian delegation activities and briefings. The Government of Canada knows that climate change is the challenge of our generation and it is meeting its commitment to Canadians to work with its international partners to address climate change and grow a clean economy. We are proud to be leading Canada's delegation once again, and we look forward to furthering the important work begun with the Paris Agreement.
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Canada
CANAOA150
-2I believe that it is imperative there be continued engagement by all parties in
these important international initiatives, and I hope that you reconsider your decision to not be part of the Canadian delegation or find a suitable alternative within the Conservative caucus. Should you have any further questions, I invite you to contact my office. Sincerely,