Canada's environment minister disagrees with WWF climate scorecard

RED DEER, Alta. — Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice says he disagrees with the latest G8 Climate Scorecord from the World Wildlife Fund and insurance giant Allianz that places Canada in last place.

The report, released Wednesday, says Canada is one of the few G8 countries whose emissions are still steadily increasing, and it says it's due in large part to the commitment to expand Alberta's oilsands.

It also says Canada's per capita emissions are among the highest in the world and mid-to long-term greenhouse gas targets are inadequate, so Canada, like Russia which is in the sixth spot, has "failed the test."

The report calls on members of the G8 to make substantial reductions in their emissions by 2020, and a drastic 95 per cent cut by 2050.

Prentice, speaking during a stop in Red Deer, Alta., says Canada continues to be a very prosperous and energy-consumptive country.

But he says Canada is finalizing its policies on greenhouse gas emissions, is working to help develop a new protocol to replace the Kyoto accord and will continue to be a constructive player internationally.