ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the adoption of a key and instrument of sustainable development and international governance - the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that emerged from the Earth Summit - from a Canadian perspective. It addresses Canada's debate surrounding the accord's ratification and implementation according to five themes: competitiveness, credibility, consultations, commitment, and consistency in public and foreign policy. The sale of emissions permits is one of several global market-based mechanisms under Kyoto that increase flexibility and reduce costs in terms of meeting targets. The international community, especially the European Union, would likely block any additional amendments to Kyoto, particularly those proposed by a country widely seen to have already watered down the accord. Indeed, Canada played an influential role throughout the Kyoto and other global climate negotiations by successfully securing a number of concessions which reflect its national interests.
