Skip to content

Burnaby Board of Trade calls for real climate change plan

As world leaders get set to converge in Paris at the end of the month for a major climate change conference, a local business group is calling on the newly elected prime minister to support real targets.
BBOT
Burnaby Board of Trade president Paul Holden

As world leaders get set to converge in Paris at the end of the month for a major climate change conference, a local business group is calling on the newly elected prime minister to support real targets.
The Burnaby Board of Trade has penned a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling on him to join with other leaders in seeking a “meaningful” global agreement to address climate change with new greenhouse gas reduction targets at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference.
The board has also asked that government work with business organizations to develop the “necessary market-based strategy” to achieve those reductions.
“Burnaby Board of Trade believes Canada will need to develop a plan for a long-term transition to a low-carbon economy that ensures the country meets its international obligations while protecting and enhancing the dynamic, innovative economy we currently enjoy,” the letter stated.
BBOT’s CEO, Paul Holden, explained the issue of sustainability has been an important area for the organization, pointing out its own Pledge for a Sustainable Community initiative.  
He also noted BBOT isn’t asking for specific targets or numbers in its letter to Trudeau.
“We wanted to stress and remind the prime minister’s office of the importance of engaging the business community through that process of achieving those goals,” Holden told the NOW.
Holden said he’s hoping the prime minster will see the letter, or at least the people working him in framing Canada participation, and would take note of the spirit of the letter that business groups can play a significant role.
The letter has also been sent to Premier Christy Clark and to any relevant federal and provincial ministries.
BBOT’s Pledge for a Sustainable Community program was recognized internationally after being selected as a finalist in the category of “Best Corporate Social Responsibility Project” at the 2015 World Chambers Competition.
The pledge program is a comprehensive online resource and planning tool with the goal of helping businesses large and small reduce their carbon footprint.
So far, 146 Burnaby businesses have signed the pledge.
Holden suggested business organizations are taking an increasing interest in the issue of climate change.