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Canadians more concerned than Americans about climate policy

Two-in-three Canadians say Ottawa should be doing something about climate change

A new poll conducted by U.S. and Canadian think tanks and released by Public Policy Forum and Sustainable Prosperity shows the Harper government might want to rethink its laissez-faire approach to climate change policy. It found 80 per cent of Canadians believe the science behind climate change, as opposed to 58 per cent of Americans. In Canada, 65 per cent think the government has a role to play in addressing climate change, while only 43 per cent of Americans believe their federal government has a responsibility to address the issue. Twice as many Canadians as Americans are also willing to pay the price of a carbon tax, according to the poll. “Canadians continue to believe in very high numbers that climate change is a significant issue,” said Sustainable Prosperity’s Alex Wood. “They want to see federal leadership on the issue in terms of a policy regime that will set the course for Canada.”

CBC News

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