A leading environmental advocacy group says Canada's provinces are trying to address climate change with a patchwork of individual plans while the federal government is failing to take a lead on the issue.

A report from the David Suzuki Foundation called "All Over the Map 2012" ranks the country's provinces and territories on their climate change policies and makes recommendations for improvement.

Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia are on top with "very good" policies while Alberta and Saskatchewan are dead last with the "worst."

A climate change and clean energy specialist with the foundation says the report shows stronger leadership from the provinces is crucial given the "lack of leadership" by the federal government on reducing emissions.

Ian Bruce says the provinces have proven that progress can be made in addressing climate change and quality of life improves in the process.

He says Canada could be a world leader if the federal government was an active partner in the fight against climate change.

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