Canadian Energy Strategy

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI, Aug. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Premiers discussed the Canadian Energy Strategy (CES). British Columbia joined the initiative in November 2013. Quebec is now also a full partner in this initiative. Premiers are pleased that all provinces and territories are now participating in the development of the Strategy.

In order to ensure the interests of all governments are accommodated in the CES, the Premiers agreed to some improvements in the CES Vision and Principles that were agreed to in 2013. Premiers released the revised Vision and Principles, which are attached.

Premiers discussed the work completed over the last year, including meetings with stakeholders and exchanged information with respect to current initiatives, including reducing the reliance of off-grid communities on diesel. Premiers agreed to finalize the Strategy in advance of their 2015 Summer Meeting.

Associated link:
http://www.canadaspremiers.ca

MEDIA BACKGROUNDER

VISION AND PRINCIPLES

The Canadian Energy Strategy will express a renewed vision that describes the kind of energy future that provinces and territories aspire to achieve. The strategy will be based on a set of principles that will guide collaborative work under the strategy.

The vision and principles provide the foundation for provinces and territories to work together, in respect of their own jurisdiction, on energy issues and grow the economy, protect the environment, mitigate climate change, create new opportunities for individuals, organizations and businesses, and enhance the quality of life for all Canadians.

Vision

Canada is a global leader in providing a secure, sustainable and reliable supply of energy that is delivered with a high standard of environmental and social responsibility, consistent with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to continued economic growth and prosperity for all Canadians.

Objectives

A Canadian Energy Strategy should:

• Reflect the shared values of Canadians.
• Strengthen our economy and create jobs.
• Identify opportunities to develop, transport, and transmit energy, in accordance with provincial- territorial jurisdiction.
• Maintain the highest degree of environmental safeguards and protection, including by addressing climate change, climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally.
• Promote a competitive economy and robust research and technology sector that can contribute to the breadth of Canada's energy and environmental opportunities and responsibilities.
• Promote export of energy, expertise and innovation.
• Support a diverse range of energy assets.
• Foster the development of pan-Canadian, regional and bilateral agreements on energy development, transportation and transmission.

Principles

• Collaboration and Transparency
  • Seek intergovernmental collaboration on areas of mutual interest involving energy resources, energy conservation, and technologies to optimize the opportunities and strengths of each province and territory.
  • Collaborate and encourage co-operation, participation, and partnership with other governments and key stakeholders.
  • Respect the Aboriginal and treaty rights that are recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982*.
  • Reporting back to Canada's Premiers on progress.

• Climate change and Social and Environmental Responsibility
  • Addressing climate change and moving towards a lower carbon economy.
  • Recognize the importance of environmentally and socially responsible energy development, transportation systems, and enabling technologies to support conservation, efficiency, and effectiveness in the use of energy resources.
  • Transition to a lower-carbon economy through appropriate initiatives, such as carbon pricing, carbon capture and storage and other technological innovations, while meeting current and future energy needs.

• Energy Security and Stability
  • Ensure a secure supply of energy for all Canadians through open, non-discriminatory and safe transportation and transmission of energy resources.
  • Ensure open and non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission systems, consistent with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Open Access Rules.
  • Maintain effective, efficient, and transparent regulations that supports responsible energy development and maintains the highest standards of environmental assessment and management.
  • Increase and diversify the supply and distribution of clean as well as low carbon energy.

* Acknowledging that Quebec has not agreed to the Constitution Act,

SOURCE: Council of the Federation

Guy Gallant, Press Secretary, Office of the Premier, Government of Prince Edward Island, 902-368-4400