Notable quotes from premiers attending climate change meeting with PM Trudeau

OTTAWA – Quotes from the provincial and territorial leaders and others Monday at the first ministers’ meeting in Ottawa:

“I think we do have a chance to reset the brand. I think we also have an example to set to the world by showing how diverse actions across a big country like ours can come together and create one really bright picture for environmental protection and economic growth.” B.C. Premier Christy Clark.

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“I think that our plan will do a very good job in terms of changing the conversation about whether you can be an energy producer and also a responsible contributor to action on climate change.” Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, describing the new provincial climate policy she took to the first ministers’ meeting.

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“Whatever it is we agree to going into Paris, whatever we agree to as a country and then sub-nationals, whatever the provinces agree to, we need to make sure we understand what impact that is going to have on jobs, what additional impact will that have on the energy sector which is already suffering massive layoffs in our country. And I think that’s a reasonable question to ask.” Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

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“I again insist on this, our country needs a serious effort in rebranding on this theme of climate change and energy. Not only are we an important producer of oil — which we should be happy with because it’s a source of wealth for Canada — but we’re also the third largest producer of hydro electricity in the world. So we are at the same time a major producer of non-renewable and renewable energy.” Quebec Premier Quebec Couillard on the message Canada should take to the international climate conference in France.

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“Well, it’s certainly not like my normal day at work.” Climate scientist Gregory Flato on briefing the prime minister, his cabinet and all the premiers on the science of climate change while his report was simultaneously webcast.