MILTON, ON, Nov. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Canadians are feeling the impacts and costs of climate change first hand. In Ontario extreme weather is being felt in the heatwaves and floods this summer. The federal government has a plan to fight climate change and grow a clean economy and the plan is working. Canada's emissions are down and nearly 600,000 full-time jobs have been created by Canadians since 2015. The Government of Canada is working with Canadians to reduce pollution, make life more affordable and tackle climate change.
Today, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced that as a result of the provincial government's decision to cancel all climate action programs supported by the federal government's Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada will explore options for reinvesting the remaining Ontario portion of the fund in initiatives that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, save money and create good jobs across the province. Further details on these initiatives will be available soon.
The Government of Canada will ensure Ontarians can continue to fight climate change and fight for a safer and more prosperous future for our kids and grandkids.
Quotes
"Canadians know that there is too much pollution, and that when pollution is free the effects of climate change will get worse. The Government of Ontario cancelled projects that were helping individuals, universities, colleges, communities and businesses reduce carbon pollution, improve energy efficiency and save money. Canadians understand the urgency of climate change and expect us to fight back, not sit back. We will keep working with governments, businesses and people across Ontario and Canada to reduce carbon pollution and create a strong clean economy for our kids and grandkids."
–The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
- Canada's Low Carbon Leadership Fund has made $1.4 billion dollars of investment for climate action available to support provinces and territories, with a priority on energy efficiency.
- Greater energy efficiency will help improve Canada's economy and environment by creating 118,000 jobs by 2030, boost our GDP by $356 billion over the next 12 years and save Canadian households an average of $114 a year. The economic benefits of energy efficiency are enormous for Canadians. Every $1 spent on energy efficiency generates between $4-$8 of GDP.
- Across Canada, the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund is supporting projects like:
- Nova Scotia's energy rebate program that makes LED lightbulbs and smart thermostats more affordable
- Alberta's program that helps farmers improve efficiencies and reduce costs
- The Northwest Territories' program that regenerates forests to capture more carbon pollution
- Building retrofits in B.C. for homes and businesses supporting renovations and heating system updates.
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Caroline Thériault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free), [email protected]
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