Meeting with Business People from Canada and Norway
to Discuss Solutions to Climate Change

Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Long before the world’s scientists sounded the alarm, our elders among the Sami and Inuit peoples noticed the changes taking place in the Arctic, the region at the top of the world. 

The snow melting faster, the ice receding, animals straying from their migratory paths; they were the first to read these warning signs of dramatic climate change.

They were the first to see them as a cause for concern, not only for northern populations, but for the entire world as well.

For without this last, sheltering frontier, our planet will be left exposed to the elements.

The threat of global warming to northern ecosystems is certainly alarming, but it also presents humanity with the opportunity to do things differently. 

In a way that respects the ecological integrity of the places from which we draw our resources.

In a responsible way, while taking into consideration our northern peoples—in other words, human development—and taking into consideration the wealth of resources for which they are the guardians.

In a way that goes beyond our own individual interests to embrace the interests of as many people as possible.  

And in a concerted way that calls upon all stakeholders, from scientists to leaders, businesses to citizens.

Which is why I am so pleased to see gathered here today engaged Norwegian business people who are working to find a balance between development and the environment and who are turning to innovative technologies to do so.  

Canada and Norway are both home to some of the rare regions of the world where nature has preserved its splendour and rights. It is a natural heritage of inestimable beauty and richness.

But with this heritage comes a responsibility: that of developing it without exhausting it. And that of preserving it for the benefit of future generations. It is a shared responsibility that requires constant vigilance.   

Norway, it is said, is a leader in reducing the effects of climate change on the environment.

I and the delegation accompanying me are delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about your experience in this regard.

I can promise you that we will share with our fellow Canadians all that we will have learned here.  

Thank you.