Canada: From Early Frontrunner to Plodding Anchorman

Analyses efforts of the Canadian federal government to come to terms with sustainable development. It highlights innovative characteristics of Canadian policy including the 1990 Green Plan, the later establishment of the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the system of departmental sustainable development strategies The chapter argues that Canada's role as an enthusiastic advocate of engagement with sustainable development slackened as the 1990s advanced. This is particularly true with respect to climate change where the government...

Analyses efforts of the Canadian federal government to come to terms with sustainable development. It highlights innovative characteristics of Canadian policy including the 1990 Green Plan, the later establishment of the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the system of departmental sustainable development strategies The chapter argues that Canada's role as an enthusiastic advocate of engagement with sustainable development slackened as the 1990s advanced. This is particularly true with respect to climate change where the government adopted a cautious approach to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.