Federal Budget Drives Innovation Agenda Says Canadian Gas Association

OTTAWA, March 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadians will benefit from innovation initiatives contained in the 2012 federal budget said the Canadian Gas Association.

The federal budget that was unveiled today included a strong focus on the innovation agenda that will help support Canada's economic growth and prosperity.  Key items included were the following:

• Significant investment in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• A commitment to support responsible resource development and smart regulation for major economic projects, respecting provincial jurisdiction and maintaining the highest standards of environmental protection.

"In a time of economic difficulty, keeping services affordable is key. Innovation is fundamental to affordability, it furthers environmental objectives, and it drives longer term productivity in the economy," said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association.

The federal budget also included:

• $95 million over three years, starting in 2013-14, and $40 million per year thereafter to make the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program permanent and to add a military procurement component.
• $110 million per year to the National Research Council (NRC) to double support to companies through the Industrial Research Assistance Program.
• An additional $67 million in 2012-13 as the NRC refocuses on business-led, industry-relevant research.
• $150 million over two years for a new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund to support repairs and improvements to existing community facilities.
• Accelerated capital cost allowance for waste fuel energy equipment.

"Canada's natural gas distribution industry has a long history using innovation to deliver affordable energy services to Canadians," said Egan "Natural gas utilities look forward to opportunities to work in cooperation with the Government of Canada on this agenda."

Natural gas is an abundant available, affordable, safe, reliable, and clean source of energy for buildings and communities, large industry, and transportation.  Natural gas has a central place in Canada's energy mix meeting 30 per cent of the country's energy needs.  Today over six 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 important Canadian strategic asset.

For more information please visit www.cga.ca

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