The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading:

Progress Continues on Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans

I rise today to update this Honourable House on the progress made in implementing the 2011 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is one of the greatest long-term challenges facing the planet. All jurisdictions must be part of the solution, and I am proud Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to pursuing an environmentally sound and economically prudent path. These action plans are a key part of achieving this balance.

Mr. Speaker, this year our province is leading the country in economic growth. We are achieving this while advancing action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by working with large industrial companies in the iron ore and offshore oil sectors.

We are working to increase the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings and now require new homes to meet energy-efficient standards. We have launched a guide to help homeowners, builders and municipalities make this happen.

Our government is leading by example with a policy stating all buildings receiving provincial funding must be built sustainably. As a result, City Hall in Corner Brook and Nalcor’s new employee residence in Churchill Falls have silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.

Mr. Speaker, we are playing our part to tackle climate change, but some impacts are now unavoidable. That’s why our government has worked with researchers at Memorial University to better understand the coming changes and we share that information with decision-makers in business and communities.

Our public awareness campaign on climate change - Turn Back the Tide - has seen great success with 36,000 visits to its website alone, not to mention wide-spread television and print ad exposure.

Mr. Speaker, this is just a brief overview of some of the important work completed to date. I look forward to keeping you updated on the next phase of our implementation plans.

Thank-you.

2013 11 13                                     2:20 p.m.