The Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance (CanREA) is calling on federal and provincial energy ministers to develop a National Renewable Energy Strategy based on the recommendations set forth in CanREA's recently released model strategy. Development of the strategy should begin at the Council of Energy Minister's Annual meeting this year in Whitehorse, YT on Monday, August 28th.
Recommended elements in CanREA's strategy includes:
- Recognition of the environmental, economic and social value of renewable energy in meeting Canadian and international targets to reduce harmful environmental emissions (including greenhouse gasses);
- Coordination of federal and provincial targets and actions to achieve the maximum potential from renewable energy;
- Development of Canadian energy policy to help reduce poverty;
- Building the green power sector on a strong foundation of energy efficiency; and,
- Creation of a comprehensive strategy to include green power, green heat and green transportation.
Renewable energy is the fastest growing energy sector in the world. Germany alone employs 130,000 people in the renewable energy sector. Canada has not yet developed the industry to its full potential.
"We have an incredible opportunity to embark on a sustainable energy path - one that is economically and environmentally sound, as well as socially productive," says Ken Ogilvie of Pollution Probe and CanREA member.
The Energy Ministers are meeting at the same time the Canadian Electricity Association is calling for tens of billions of dollars to fix an aging electricity grid. Currently, many provinces, such as Ontario and BC, are also developing energy plans that will decide future sources of electricity for Canadians for decades and the federal government is drafting its plan to address air issues and climate change.
A copy of the Model National Renewable Energy Strategy for Canada is available online at www.canrea.ca.
For more information contact:
Ken Ogilvie, Pollution Probe
Pollution Probe
Executive Director
Tel: Mon. Aug. 28, 2006 - Yukon Inn : 867-667-2527
Tel : 416-926-1907, ext 231
Email : kogilvie@pollutionprobe.org
Nikki Skuce, One Sky (BC)
Program Director
Tel: 250-877-6030
Email: nikki@onesky.ca