Schwarzenegger, McGuinty to Sign Pact on Climate Change, Stem Cell Research

TORONTO (CP) – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty are set to sign agreements Wednesday on climate change and stem-cell research.

But the deals to pump up fuel standards for vehicles and boost stem-cell research aren’t without their critics. Some say the new emissions plan falls short of California’s tough standards and could damage Ontario’s sensitive automotive sector.

Still, environmentalists say Schwarzenegger’s environmental stance gives the green movement some much-needed momentum.

And anti-abortion activists on both sides of the border have slammed Schwarzenegger’s views on stem-cell research as inhumane.

The action-star-turned-governor will also speak at the Toronto economic club before flying to Ottawa to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Schwarzenegger, star of the “Terminator” films, arrived with a delegation of business leaders in a bid to ramp up co-operation between California and Ontario.

While the former body builder has dubbed the visit a trade mission, he also says it’s important to exchange ideas.

Schwarzenegger will say hasta la vista to central Canada Thursday and head to the west coast for meetings with B-C Premier Gordon Campbell.