29/04/2005 — The Government
of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government
of Canada today signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) to work together to address climate
change. The two governments have identified
priority areas in which they can build partnerships
and ensure a consistent, coordinated approach
in their actions and initiatives on climate
change. Newfoundland and Labrador is the fifth
province or territory to sign a bilateral
agreement on climate change with the Government
of Canada.
The agreement was signed by Tom Osborne,
Minister of Environment and Conservation,
and Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources,
on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland
and Labrador. R. John Efford, Minister of
Natural Resources Canada, and Stéphane
Dion, Minister of the Environment, signed
on behalf of the Government of Canada.
"Collaboration will be key to meeting
Canada's climate change goals," said
Minister Efford. "This agreement will
help us take advantage of partnership opportunities
and implement the innovative ideas we need
to build a healthier environment and strong
economy. I congratulate the province of Newfoundland
and Labrador for signing this agreement with
the Government of Canada."
"Newfoundland and Labrador is committed
to protecting the environment and addressing
climate change, which is a challenging and
serious environmental issue," said Minister
Osborne. "This MOU will provide opportunities
for our province and the Government of Canada
to work cooperatively in taking action on
climate change. Newfoundland and Labrador
will continue to work diligently to ensure
healthier communities in the province, and
will use this agreement as another step forward
in our efforts to achieve positive environmental
change."
"I am pleased that one of the priority
areas in the MOU is to explore the role that
hydroelectric projects, such as the development
of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving
national and provincial climate change objectives,"
said Minister Byrne. "Besides providing
an economical source of electricity, the Lower
Churchill project can provide a significant
portion of Canada's greenhouse gas reduction
target, which is good for the environment,
the economy, and the country."
"Our recently announced Plan, Moving
Forward on Climate Change, offers a balanced
approach with fair reduction targets to ensure
a cleaner environment and economic growth,"
said Minister Dion. "This agreement underlines
the Government of Canada's commitment to working
with the provinces and territories toward
addressing climate change, and toward honouring
our Kyoto commitment while remaining competitive."
Other priority areas for cooperation in the
agreement include research and development
on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities
and adaptation strategies, reducing greenhouse
gas emissions through renewable and alternative
energy development, energy management and
efficiency in government facilities, municipal
planning and solid waste management, and increasing
public awareness and education of climate
change and its impacts.
The new Government of Canada climate change
plan, announced recently, sets out a number
of measures for building a healthy environment
and a competitive economy, including increased
action by individual Canadians through an
enhanced One-Tonne Challenge program.
The Government of Canada's approach to climate
change is focused on making the right choices
for Canada. Initiatives such as this one are
important in reducing emissions and ensuring
that the actions taken today produce long-term
results while maintaining a strong and growing
economy.
For more information, or for a copy of the
agreement, please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca. For
more information on climate change, visit
www.climatechange.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada has reached an agreement
with Newfoundland and Labrador on addressing
climate change. Under the agreement, which
was signed in St. John's today, both governments
committed to building partnerships and working
cooperatively on climate change initiatives.
