Minister of Environment

and Climate Change

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.

.. ./2

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,

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, P.C., M.P.