Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered opening remarks to the COP15 conference in Montreal on Dec. 6 and announced a new contribution of $350 million for conservation efforts abroad.
“These $350 million of fresh money that will be invested in the financing of international biodiversity are added to the sum of over $1 billion that we already promised to help fight the effects of climate change on the loss of biodiversity,” Trudeau said.
The Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity is taking place in Montreal from Dec. 7 to 19.
The convention centre has been fortified with concrete barriers and fencing and anti-riot police could already be seen standing guard around the venue over the weekend.
A first demonstration is planned for the morning of Dec. 7, which has been dubbed in French “À l’assaut du Palais” (attack on the convention centre).
Trudeau was interrupted by protesters chanting and banging on drums during his opening remarks.
As the prime minister was describing what he believes Canada is known for around the world, such as an example of “openness and diversity” and for its landscapes, he said Canada is also known for people being allowed to share their views.
“As you can also see Canada is a place of free expression where individuals and communities are free to express themselves openly and strongly and we thank them for sharing their perspective. Thank you very much, thank you for being here,” Trudeau told the protesters after pausing his speech for over 30 seconds.
He then paused some more and said “Being a democracy doesn’t mean we all agree.”
“It means we all work together, we all listen to each other, we all respect each other. And that’s how we move forward on doing the most important thing in front of us, which is protecting nature. And that’s why we’re gathered here today.”
