Harper unveils $100M for poor nations fighting climate change

Prime Minister Stephen Harper closed the Sommet de la Francophonie in Quebec City on Sunday by announcing $100 million in aid for developing countries to fight climate change.

Harper said his government has always been committed to finding a solution to global warming and understands that some poorer countries don't have enough resources to do the same.

"That's why I'm announcing that the government of Canada will add $100 million of aid to developing countries particularly vulnerable to climate change," Harper said.

"This help will go to the countries that are least advanced and small insular states, especially in Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific."

Harper also voiced the need for the world to keep trade routes open and fight protectionism as the planet spins through a financial slowdown.

Developing countries in particular need access to trade opportunities, he said.

"We have to remember that the countries of the south are certainly not responsible and not the source of this particular crisis in any way, shape or form," Harper said of the global economic downturn.