VICTORIA – British Columbians should have access to the Climate Registry in B.C. so that the public can monitor the government’s progress on this vital issue, New Democrat Environment Critic Shane Simpson said today.

Simpson’s comments come after the announcement that B.C. will participate in the North American Climate Registry. The registry will track progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“The government must be completely transparent when it comes to progress on reducing emissions,” said Simpson. “The Campbell government has a bad habit of keeping important information secret from the public. That is why part of the mandate of this registry in B.C. should include full public access to the data collected.”

Simpson said that a North American Climate Registry has the potential to be a helpful tool in determining success or failure on reducing harmful emissions in the province. “The government currently has no monitoring capacity for greenhouse gas emissions, and so it is important that a credible model is created to fulfill these commitments. However, such a tool can only be useful if the government is transparent about the results.”

Simpson added that reporting to the registry needs to be compulsory. “According to the Premier’s announcement today reporting is voluntary. This just doesn’t make sense - reporting must be compulsory or how can the government effectively monitor and manage emissions?”

Simpson said that if the Campbell government is serious about reducing greenhouse gas emission, the Premier should legislate the 33 per cent cut in emission he has promised.

“I believe that the Premier should put the force of law behind his promise to cut emissions by 33 per cent. That way British Columbians can hold him accountable for this important promise,” said Simpson. “I am very supportive of all steps that take us closer to a reduction of harmful emission. But I am not supportive of grandstanding on an issue that deserves more than talk.”