#ottghg news release

For immediate release December 17, 2012

Mayor shows leadership on climate change file

The #ottghg Twitter campaign made a difference - Councillor McRae's inaction increasingly curious Last week the City of Ottawa put climate change policy back on the map. Following numerous tweets and e-mails, we now have a date range established for the GHG roundtable, recently announced by His Worship Mayor Watson: Q1, 2013. Of course, there's more to the process then simply establishing a date but our Mayor and his team essentially said to Ottawans, We're listening, there are many priorities, but we're listening, and we're acting. This is how community leaders should respond and our Mayor has displayed great leadership at a moment when it was necessary. At times, a very direct language was used to communicate the seriousness of climate change policy and Ottawa's future, but a congratulations is clearly due and must be offered to His Worship for his leadership. A clear, unambiguous thank you has been expressed to the Mayor and the Mayor's team. Going into 2013, the #ottghg objective will be to continue to engage as many Ottawans as possible to keep this highly strategic opportunity on the City's radar. A focus will be placed on working with the City's Environment Committee to make the GHG roundtable a success for Ottawa to celebrate. There are, however, growing concerns across the stakeholder community regarding Councillor McRae's history on this file, and it remains uncertain how or if the Chair of the Environment Committee can effectively lead the GHG roundtable. #ottghg is a Twitter, e-mail, and city-wide conversation focusing on era-appropriate climate change policy. Greenhouse gas reduction initiatives create jobs, increase economic productivity, save tax dollars, and save lives.
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For more information contact: Martin Canning | 613-316-3929 | @MartinGCanning | canning.martin@gmail.com