October 22, 1998
(Environment and Labour)
(Mines and Energy)

Government pleased with outcome of joint Environment and Energy Ministers' meeting

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Environment and Energy met in Halifax this week to review developments relating to climate change and other air issues. While a large part of the meeting was devoted to reviewing progress on the National Climate Change Process, ministers also discussed issues such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, acid rain and ground level ozone.

An important outcome for this province was the agreement of ministers that low carbon energy forms, such as hydroelectricity as a renewable energy resource, can play an essential role in Canada's domestic and international climate change strategy. The province's Minister of Environment and Labour, Oliver Langdon, says this has important implications for the Churchill River Power Project. "Essentially, the Churchill River Power Project can be a significant part of Canada's plans to address the problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions," said Mr. Langdon. "It has been estimated that the project can contribute as much as 15 per cent towards the reduction which Canada will need to meet its Kyoto commitments."

Mines and Energy Minister, Charles Furey stated that he was pleased with the commitment made by the federal government at the Halifax meeting to advance the ministers' decision as a national position at the Fourth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 4). Mr. Furey continued: "Canada's hydro electric resources can make a very significant and cost effective contribution to the achievement of the targets of both our country and the United States. It is essential that, in addition to ensuring international agreements facilitate this, the federal governments of both nations work to put in place suitable arrangements to enable the development of these resources and to ensure developers obtain fair return on their investment."

In addition to climate change issues, ministers signed a Canada-wide Acid Rain Strategy which builds on the successful efforts to date to reduce pollutants that cause acid rain. As well, ministers agreed to fully support negotiating an Ozone Annex under the Canada-US Air Quality Agreement. Action in this area will help reduce transboundary flows of emissions which cause ground-level ozone in Canada.

Media contact:

Sean Kelly, Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Labour, (709) 729-2575

Tara Laing, Director of Communications
Department of Mines and Engery, (709) 729-4890

1998 10 22                    4:25 p.m.