March 3, 2007

Manitoba's Investment to Deliver Real Results to Fight Climate Change

WINNIPEG, March 3, 2007 -- The Honourable John Baird, Canada's Minister of the Environment, joined by Manitoba Premier Gary Doer today announced that Canada's New Government intends to provide Manitoba with $53.8 million as part of the new Canada ecoTrust to support provincial projects that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions smog and air pollution.

"Canada's New Government is making these investments to help improve the environment for Canadians by reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution," said Minister Baird. "Today's announcement recognizes Manitoba's leadership in this area, and provides support for measurable progress that benefits all Canadians."

We are pleased the federal government is here today, joining forces with us in dealing with climate change," Doer said. "BusinessWeek Magazine has recognized Manitoba as having the best regional climate change action plan in the world and we are number one in Canada on energy efficiency. By adding a strong federal partner, we will be able to accelerate our plans to continue building Manitoba's renewable energy portfolio while conserving energy."

Manitoba's funding under the Canada ecoTrust is intended to support projects consistent with Manitoba's climate change action plan. When combined with existing and new provincial initiatives, this funding will help Manitoba reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2 megatons. The government of Manitoba has indicated that it will use Canada ecoTrust funding to move forward on several provincial projects, which may include:

• expanding Manitoba's low-income energy efficiency program into additional communities, adding to the 300 megawatts saved to date through conservation efforts;
• supporting the creation of new biodiesel plants in rural Manitoba;
• increasing Manitoba's portfolio of renewable energy to include solar power and bio-gas; and,
• dedicating part of the fund to Manitoba's portion of an east-west Power Grid.

The Canada ecoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change will be designed to allow each province and territory to develop technology, energy efficiency, and other projects that will provide real results. The Government of Canada will work with all provinces and territories to fully develop this new, national fund.

Canada's New Government is already taking concrete action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by committing to implement aggressive regulations to reduce emissions in all industrial sectors and bring in new initiatives in the energy and transportation sectors. Manitoba's ongoing and new initiatives, supported by the Canada ecoTrust, will complement those efforts.

The Canada ecoTrust will be established using part of the anticipated 2006-07 budgetary surplus. Resources for the Canada ecoTrust initiative will consist of $1.5 billion of new funding on a national basis. This funding will be contained in the upcoming budget and is a part of the actions being taken on the fiscal imbalance. This new funding will be available as soon as Parliament approves the budget.

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Announcement of the Manitoba ecoTRUST -- Speech by the Honourable John Baird, P.C., M.P., Minister of the Environment, Winnipeg, Manitoba