Speeches

Thank you, and good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s a pleasure to be here today. What brings us together on Parliament Hill is the future. And certainly the hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies on display here will be a fundamental part of a cleaner, prosperous future.

We’re entering a new energy era. And the era of clean energy will take us well beyond the commitments of the Kyoto Protocol and the Climate Change Plan for Canada. This era will dramatically reshape our society and our economy.

Using new clean-energy options, such as hydrogen and fuel cells, will be an increasingly important part of the global energy mix in the coming decades. Clean energy will be a central part of addressing climate change.

To make sure that Canada leads the way in this new era, the Government of Canada is investing $215 million to develop hydrogen-based technologies. This is in addition to our programs that have been working in this area since the early 1980s.

Why? We want the world to turn to Canada when looking for the technology needed to address climate change. So the challenge before us is developing those technologies. It takes time and patience. It takes foresight.

This exhibit is a glimpse into the future we want. And these technologies will help us build a hydrogen economy that will be vital to our prosperity in the years and decades to come. Vital to our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.

The potential benefits — economical and environmental — of a hydrogen economy are enormous. Acting now makes environmental sense and economic sense. It means new business opportunities, new markets and new jobs.

I’m very proud that my department, Natural Resources Canada, and the Government of Canada have long been committed to this task. For more than 20 years, we have supported the development of Canada’s hydrogen and fuel-cell industry. And I can assure you that our support will continue in the future.

Our investments in hydrogen and fuel cells are paying dividends. NRCan first started working with Ballard in the early 1980s, shortly after it began developing fuel cells. Today, Ballard’s fuel-cell technology is being used in both stationary and transportation applications.


We’re supporting the development of hydrogen storage technologies with Dynetek. Today, its hydrogen storage cylinders are used in a number of vehicles.

We’ve supported Stuart Energy Systems as it created Canada’s first hydrogen refuelling station. Today, Stuart is a recognized international leader.

We’ve worked with Hydrogenics since it opened. Today — and in only seven years — it is delivering clean-energy solutions for commercial markets across the transportation, stationary and portable power spectrum.

But developing these new technologies is just one part of the puzzle. Building a hydrogen infrastructure is the next critical step. To respond to this need, NRCan established the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance in 2001. To evaluate and demonstrate fuelling options. To develop safety standards, training and certification. These are projects and investments that point the way to a brighter future.

Hydrogen technology and fuel cells are innovations the world needs. And we are working with the international community to ensure we put these innovations into widespread use.

Later this month, I’ll be meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham to discuss many of the issues surrounding the hydrogen economy. And to open new avenues of cooperation.

I would like to take a moment to congratulate Fuel Cells Canada for its vision and dedication. This exhibition is just one example of your organization’s leadership. I would also like to thank the many companies that have participated in this event.

Building the hydrogen economy and effectively addressing climate change are responsibilities we owe to our children and grandchildren.

By working together, we travel a road that will lead us to a sustainable, environmentally friendly and prosperous tomorrow.

Thank you.