Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Tuesday that his government would further cut taxes and develop a "pragmatic and effective" environment policy in a wide-ranging speech.

Harper made the pledges during a so-called "mini throne speech," exactly one year after his minority government came into power.

While acknowledging global warming as a "serious threat" and listing environment as one of his priorities, Harper hinted that he would not seek high goals and quick solutions to climate change.

"The fundamental challenge of our time is to make real progress on environmental protection while preserving jobs and standards of living. Finding that balance will require sound science, rational debate and political will over a long period of time," he said in the speech to the Canadian Club of Ottawa.

Harper promised his government will move to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution as well as fuel efficiency of motor vehicles and set out enforceable regulatory targets for the short, medium and long term.

Harper's remarks came after the House of Commons passed a motion Monday night calling for the Conservative government to reaffirm Canada's commitment to the Kyoto protocol.

Kyoto sets a 6 percent cut in emissions below 1990 levels by 2012 as Canada's target. Harper has said the Kyoto targets are unattainable by 2012, and his Tories did not vote in favor of the motion on Monday.

Harper also promised further tax reductions, continued steps to tackle crime, further strengthening Canada's global image and rebuilding the Canadian Forces, as well as strengthening the federation by addressing Senate reform and fiscal balance with the provinces.

He promised to establish a system called "tax-back guarantee" which requires the federal government to return the interest on budget surpluses in the form of personal income-tax cuts.

The speech is also viewed as an election platform as chances of a federal election are getting higher. Harper's minority government needs the support of another party to pass laws and stay in power. Minority governments in Canada have lasted an average of 18 months, so an election may be called this year.

Source: Xinhua