OTTAWA--Students are calling on the federal government to support a comprehensive agreement that includes aggressive emission reduction targets, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, beginning today.

"Students expect our government to show leadership in Copenhagen," said Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "The brunt of the climate crisis will be borne by today's youth, who are united in demanding an agreement that includes strict emission reduction targets."The Canadian government has received a wave of criticism in recent weeks, for its poor performance in dealing with climate change. Students and youth have been among the loudest voices, calling for government action to stop climate change.

"Polls confirm that Canadians expect their government to do more to combat climate change," added Giroux-Bougard. "Students in Canada are working to make their communities more sustainable. The federal government needs to step up and push for action internationally."

Students have joined trade unionists, environmental activists and citizens in calling for a comprehensive global climate agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol.

Founded in 1981, the Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more that one-half million students from ten provinces.