Charest hopes Obama visit sparks new climate change pact

Quebec Premier Jean Charest is hopeful U.S. President Barack Obama's trip to Ottawa will kickstart a new, more ambitious North American plan to fight climate change.

The new president is expected to discuss energy and environmental issues during his visit with Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Thursday.

'Up until now it's been very positive. Fine. Now, let's move ahead.' —Jean Charest, Quebec premier

"This is a very important issue for us. It's important for the economy, and it's important for the environment also," said Charest.

Obama said this week that he wants to work closely with Canada to come up with a new continent-wide strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Charest and other provincial premiers have been pressing Ottawa to take a more aggressive stance on greenhouse gases, such a considering a cap-and-trade system, which would impose absolute limits on emissions.

Obama's visit could be a key step in making that happen, said Charest.

"Up until now it's been very positive. Fine. Now, let's move ahead. [The year] 2009 is going to be a year that will be decisive with regard to the world's environment," said Charest.

The Quebec government is also hoping Obama's tough talk on the environment will mean mean good things for Quebec's energy exports.

The province has given Hydro-Québec an extra six months to update its strategic plan in order to address the increased demand for renewable energy expected to come from the U.S. under the new administration.