From proposal to policy

Largely lost in the discussion about the Libs' "carbon budget" proposal has been the question of how best to actually put such a proposal into effect. And all indications suggest that it'll only take a move to get the Bloc onside to put such an idea in place in the very near future:

NDP leader Jack Layton did in fact welcome Mr. Dion's new position, noting that the NDP had asked him to move in this direction when he was environment minister.

“It's a flip flop that I welcome,” said Mr. Layton.

Once again, it's odd that the Libs chose to unveil the plan today rather than (apparently) seeking to submit amendments on the committee review of Bill C-30. But if the Bloc is willing to continue its historic support for action on climate change, then it's entirely possible that the Libs' plan could be implemented at least in large part through a bill passed within the current Parliament. And with Dion still not apparently sure whether he wants an election this year, that appears to be the only way to meet the Libs' own January 2008 target for implementation.