News Release

Canada's New Government Announces Ecotrust Funding for Northwest Territories

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, March 11, 2007 -- The Honourable John Baird, Canada's Minister of the Environment, joined by Northwest Territories Premier Joseph Handley, today announced that Canada's New Government intends to provide the Government of the Northwest Territories with $5 million as part of the new Canada ecoTrust, which supports provincial and territorial projects that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, smog and air pollution. The NWT may also use these funds to adapt to a changing climate.

"Canada's New Government is working with all governments to protect environment for Canadians and reduce air pollution," said Minister Baird. "Today's announcement recognizes the important initiatives of the Northwest Territories to deliver measurable progress that benefits all Canadians."

"Our experience tells us the North is being impacted by climate change much more quickly than other parts of Canada. NWT residents are prepared to take a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Premier Handley said. "We are very pleased to join forces with Canada to take action to address this critical issue. It will take a concerted effort by all Canadians to make the changes needed -- but we can do it by working together".

Northwest Territories' funding under the Canada ecoTrust is intended to support projects relating to energy conservation and efficiency, alternative and emerging technologies as well as development of hydro-electric resources. The Government of the Northwest Territories has indicated it will use Canada ecoTrust funding to move forward on several territorial projects which may include:

• Development of hydro resources including mini-hydro-electric plants to service the small isolated communities of Whati and Lutselk'e;
• Energy conservation activities to reduce household consumption of fossil fuels;
• An Energy Efficiency Financing Program that supports residents in making energy-saving investments in their homes, appliances and vehicles;
• Establishment of alternative energy projects utilizing wind and heat pumps; and
• Utilization of residual heating systems and surplus hydro capacity to heat public buildings.

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. Northwest Territories' 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.

For more information, please contact: