Canada to Ban Sales of Traditional Light Bulbs

    By Bill Curry

    OTTAWA -- Canada will be among the first countries in the world to ban the purchase of traditional light bulbs as part of the government's plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

    The government's announcement Wednesday follows the lead of Australia and the Canadian province of Ontario and will take effect in 2012. Canadian retailers will be required to stock more efficient light bulbs such as compact fluorescents and halogen bulbs.

    The new-generation light bulbs cost a bit more but last about seven years and use much less energy. The downside is that many of these bulbs contain mercury and need to be disposed of like paint and chemicals at special toxic-waste centers.

    Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn said the ban will get Canadians thinking more about the energy they use.

    "This is more than just about light bulbs," he said. "The light bulb is only the gateway to broad public engagement on energy efficiency and action on climate change."

    Opposition critics and environmentalists offered reluctant praise for the ban, but condemned the government's overall plan for fighting climate change, which was outlined Wednesday by Environment Minister John Baird.

    The plan marks a clear separation from Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, who has repeatedly claimed that Canadian firms could make "megatons of money" by taking part in Europe's market for trading carbon credits.

    European countries have set up a cap-and-trade system, meaning countries dictate maximum levels of greenhouse-gas emissions for industry. To comply with the law, companies that are over the limit can buy credits from companies that are under the limit.

    Baird said the Conservatives' plan will create a cap-and-trade system, but Canadian companies will be able to trade domestically only, or eventually with the United States and Mexico if the governments can reach an agreement.

    "We have concerns about the European market," said Baird.

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