Improving Energy Performance in Canada – Report to Parliament Under the Energy Efficiency Act For the Fiscal Year 2005-2006

Minister's Foreword

This Report to Parliament describes our Government's efforts to promote new energy technologies, clean energy sources and energy efficiency.

As Canada emerges as an energy superpower, our next challenge is to become a clean energy superpower. To do this, we must address the fact that the greatest source of untapped energy is the energy we waste. We must also increase our use of renewable energy and our investment in science and technology to make conventional energy cleaner.

Over the coming year, we will implement our ecoENERGY Initiatives. Investments in science and technology will make it possible to use clean energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and smog. Investments in renewable energy will offer cleaner and more diversified energy choices to Canadians. Finally, energy-efficiency programs and regulations will give Canadians the tools they need to make informed choices to protect and improve the environment in their daily activities.

The production and use of energy are just two areas in which this Government is taking decisive action. By introducing the Clean Air Act, Canada's New Government created a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling air pollution and greenhouse gases. This Act will regulate emissions from every sector in Canada for the first time in history. Our Government will work with all stakeholders to implement this commitment in a fair, effective and timely manner.

Also included in the Clean Air Act are amendments to Canada's energy-efficiency regulations. The proposed new regulatory requirements will affect the energy efficiency of 30 products, such as traffic signals, battery chargers and commercial clothes washers.

These proposed amendments will help Canada remain a world leader in the number of products that are regulated for energy efficiency. New standards will have energy savings equivalent to the energy usage in all households in a city the size of Windsor, Ontario.

The Government of Canada is committed to making real progress on reducing emissions and providing cleaner air to benefit all Canadians.

The Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Natural Resources