NLIS 1
April 29, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
Climate Change
Agreement signed by Newfoundland and Labrador and Government of
Canada
The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador and the Government of Canada today signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) to work together to address climate change. The
two governments have identified priority areas in which they can
build partnerships and ensure a consistent, coordinated approach in
their actions and initiatives on climate change. Newfoundland and
Labrador is the fifth province or territory to sign a bilateral
agreement on climate change with the Government of Canada.
The agreement was signed by Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and
Conservation, and Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf
of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. R. John Efford,
Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and St�phane Dion, Minister of
the Environment, signed on behalf of the Government of Canada.
"Collaboration will be key to meeting Canada's climate change
goals," said Minister Efford. "This agreement will help us take
advantage of partnership opportunities and implement the innovative
ideas we need to build a healthier environment and strong economy. I
congratulate the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for signing
this agreement with the Government of Canada."
"Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the
environment and addressing climate change, which is a challenging
and serious environmental issue," said Minister Osborne. "This MOU
will provide opportunities for our province and the Government of
Canada to work cooperatively in taking action on climate change.
Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to work diligently to ensure
healthier communities in the province, and will use this agreement
as another step forward in our efforts to achieve positive
environmental change."
"I am pleased that one of the priority areas in the MOU is to
explore the role that hydroelectric projects, such as the
development of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving national and
provincial climate change objectives," said Minister Byrne. "Besides
providing an
economical source of electricity, the Lower Churchill project can
provide a significant portion of Canada�s greenhouse gas reduction
target, which is good for the environment, the economy, and the
country."
"Our recently announced Plan, Moving Forward on Climate Change,
offers a balanced approach with fair reduction targets to ensure a
cleaner environment and economic growth," said Minister Dion. "This
agreement underlines the Government of Canada�s commitment to
working with the provinces and territories toward addressing climate
change, and toward honouring our Kyoto commitment while remaining
competitive."
Other priority areas for cooperation in the agreement include
research and development on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities
and adaptation strategies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through
renewable and alternative energy development, energy management and
efficiency in government facilities, municipal planning and solid
waste management, and increasing public awareness and education of
climate change and its impacts.
The new Government of Canada climate change plan, announced
recently, sets out a number of measures for building a healthy
environment and a competitive economy, including increased action by
individual Canadians through an enhanced One-Tonne Challenge
program.
The Government of Canada�s approach to climate change is focused on
making the right choices for Canada. Initiatives such as this one
are important in reducing emissions and ensuring that the actions
taken today produce long-term results while maintaining a strong and
growing economy.
For more information, or for a copy of the agreement, please visit
www.nrcan.gc.ca. For more
information on climate change, visit
www.climatechange.gc.ca.
Photo #1:
Minister Tom Osborne and Minister John Efford sign Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU)
Media contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447
Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
Andre Lamarre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Sonia Glover
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
(709) 729-2575
Carmel Turpin
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
(709) 729-5282
2005 04 29
9:15 a.m. |