Canadian Gas Association Welcomes Federal Budget Support for Investment in LNG Facilities in Canada, the National Energy Board, and Innovation

OTTAWA, April 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) says the federal budget includes a number of initiatives that will help improve the lives of Canadians and drive Canada's economic growth and prosperity.

A number of positive initiatives were outlined in the budget including:

• A commitment to move forward with the establishment of the new Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) rates to help support investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Canada.
• An increase in funding starting in 2015–16 to the National Energy Board, some of which will be used to enhance engagement with Canadians related to energy transportation infrastructure.
• Providing $58 million over five years, starting in 2015–16, to further protect the Government of Canada's essential cyber systems and critical infrastructure against cyber attacks.
• Further investment in research and development and technology.

"These measures will help to provide more choices to consumers, improve the quality of life of Canadians, and make businesses and industry more competitive.  All of this supports job creation, prosperity, and economic growth and natural gas utilities look forward to opportunities to work with the Government of Canada on these important initiatives," said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association. 

Natural gas is an affordable, clean, safe and reliable energy choice for buildings and communities, large industry, and transportation. Natural gas has a central place in Canada's energy mix meeting over 30 per cent of the country's energy needs. Today over 6.6 million customers representing well over half the Canadian population rely on natural gas for heat and power in homes, apartments, buildings, businesses, hospitals and schools.

CGA is the voice of Canada's natural gas distribution industry and its members are distribution companies, transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and other service providers. The website of the Canadian Gas Association, www.cga.ca, provides information, facts, and useful tools on this affordable energy choice.

For more information please visit www.cga.ca or contact:

SOURCE Canadian Gas Association

Paula Dunlop, Director, Public Affairs and Strategy, Canadian Gas Association, 613-748-0057 ext. 341 or 613-614-3280, [email protected]