June 8, 2006, Globe and Mail

Federal environment minister can't be seen at Smog Summit

Jennifer Lewington, City Hall Bureau Chief

Environment Minister Rona Ambrose was a no-show at the annual Smog Summit held in Toronto yesterday, making it the first federal absence in the seven-year history of the event.

Municipal and provincial politicians were disappointed but diplomatic that the Conservative minister did not attend the clean-air event initially founded, in part, by the federal government.

"You can only be a partner in a dance with someone who comes to dance with you," said Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten, urging the new Tory government to work with local and provincial officials concerned with the environment.

Others tried to make the best of Ms. Ambrose's absence.

"I am disappointed there was no federal politician here, but it is not fatal," said Eva Ligeti, executive director of the Clean Air Partnership, which organized the event that included politicians from the Toronto region, environmental groups and the private sector.

Of bigger concern, she said, is a possible move by Ottawa to go it alone on climate change.

"Thus far, we don't know what direction the federal government is taking," Ms. Ligeti said.

She noted, and a spokesman for Ms. Ambrose confirmed, that the minister will sign the summit's declaration to work together on reducing emissions that pollute the air.

Ryan Sparrow, a spokesman for Ms. Ambrose, said there was a vote scheduled in Parliament last night, requiring all members of the minority government to be present.