As the effects of global climate change become increasingly evident, Canadians want to do more to curb pollution caused by wasteful energy use.

People are changing their habits and decreasing their carbon footprints. They are washing clothes in cold water, purchasing reusable grocery bags and replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.

In Brampton thousands took part in recent celebrations like Earth Day and Earth Hour, just as I hope they will take part in Ontario's inaugural Energy Conservation Week from May 25 to 31.

Little by little old habits and mindsets are changing, and Canadians are becoming more aware of their impact on the natural world.

So with an increase in citizen awareness and media attention, and stark evidence that catastrophic climate change is imminent, why is it that Canada's federal government refuses to act?

The clear answer is that the Conservative Party sees the environment through a fiercely ideological and partisan lens.

For months after taking power the Conservatives publicly referred to "so-called greenhouse gases," and the Prime Minister and his cabinet continue to undermine the independence of climate scientists and others who disagree with the governing party's antiquated views.

As a result, the current government is dramatically out of touch with the opinions of the scientific community and the majority of Canadians on environmental issues.

The government's refusal to take climate change and energy policy seriously will soon begin to negatively impact the Canadian economy. According to investment bank Goldman Sachs, the amount of international capital invested in environmental technologies and clean energy rose dramatically from $400 billion in 2003 to $3 trillion in 2006, a more than sevenfold increase in three years.

Canada has an opportunity to be on the leading edge of a worldwide green revolution. Government and industry must act now or be left behind.

The Liberal Party has a plan to build a green economy, promote alternative energy sources and improve fuel efficiency. We believe in taking a holistic approach to the environment and have ensured that every commitment we make will have a green aspect to it.

Liberals believe the federal government needs to actively encourage the development of green technologies. That is why the Liberal Party has already announced that we would give incentives to increase clean renewable power, such as wind and solar, so it could provide at least 10 per cent of Canada's total electricity output by as early as 2015.

It is also time to put an appropriate price on carbon. The concept of pricing carbon- either through a cap and trade system or a tax- will help individuals and businesses make smarter choices to avoid polluting our atmosphere while spurring innovation to make our companies green leaders in the world economy.

The revenue neutral carbon tax recently introduced in British Columbia is an example of carbon pricing in action. The federal government should be equally courageous in assigning an appropriate price to carbon use.

It should be made clear that although the Liberal Party believes that carbon should be priced, a future Liberal government would not raise the gas tax. Ordinary Canadians, especially low-income families and seniors, are already being hit hard by the skyrocketing price of gasoline, and it would be wrong to increase the financial burden they already shoulder. It is possible to put a price on carbon, whether through a carbon tax or a cap and trade system, without making life more difficult for consumers.

Canadians are demanding action to help them cope with rising energy prices today and ensure that Canada is a leader in the green technologies of the future. It is up to their democratically elected representatives to listen and to act.

Instead, what they have is a government like an exhaust pipe: all it puts out is a lot of hot air.

My caucus colleagues and I are committed to achieving our vision for a healthy, sustainable economy and environment for ourselves, our children and the generations to come. But we need the input and participation of all Canadians in order to be successful. We cannot do it alone. The time for talk is over. Canada is ready for a green revolution. Action must be taken now to ensure a fairer, richer and greener society for all Canadians.