The Winnipeg Commodity Exchange Inc., and its affiliate Canadian Climate Exchange Inc., is asking all federal parties to allow the market to determine where an emissions trading system is established.

The exchanges called on the parties to reject the motion by Bloc Quebecois MP Bernard Bigras to select Montreal as the location of a carbon exchange for trading in Canada.

Will Hill, managing director of the CCE, said “Where emissions trading takes place should be determined by the market, not by government. Each exchange in Canada brings their own unique expertise to the marketplace, and it should be left to participants in the marketplace to choose where they conduct business. Competition is a very important factor in the development of new products, and competition between exchanges in this new arena should be encouraged, not stifled.”

The CCE also announced that it has entered into a triparty agreement with the Province of Manitoba and the Canadian Standards Association to work together on climate change solutions, including the conceptual design of a web-based portal. This portal would be the first phase of a Climate Change Registry based in Manitoba.

“Our partnership with CSA and the Province of Manitoba is an excellent opportunity to explore market-based solutions to climate change. CCE looks forward to providing its expertise on this important and innovative project,” Hill said.