FRANCAIS

March 19, 2004

WINNIPEG, March 19, 2004 – The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba are continuing to demonstrate their commitment to work together to address the challenges of climate change. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable David Anderson, Canada’s Minister of the Environment, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Co-operation on Addressing Climate Change with the Honourable Tim Sale, Manitoba’s Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, signing on behalf of the Government of Manitoba.

"The Government of Canada has made it clear that we will respect our Kyoto Protocol commitments, and will do so while maintaining a strong and growing economy," said Anderson. "To reach that goal, we have to continue to work closely with our provincial and territorial government partners, and I am delighted that Manitoba has formalized that relationship today."

"Manitoba was one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to outline its plan to address the challenges of climate change," said Sale. "From new generation hydroelectric power and the east-west transmission grid to geothermal technologies and emissions trading, Manitoba is leading the way with new initiatives and innovative technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our environment and traditional ways of life, and contribute to our province’s economic growth. We look forward to continuing to work with our federal counterparts to protect the environment for future generations."

"I commend the province of Manitoba on making this commitment to work with the Government of Canada," said the Honourable John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada and federal co-signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding. "Collaboration will be key to meeting Canada’s climate change goals. This agreement will help us pool our efforts and bring to the table the innovative ideas we will need to build a healthier environment and strong economy."

"The impact of climate change is already being felt in our communities, especially the North," said the Honourable Stan Struthers, Manitoba’s Minister of Conservation. "By addressing climate change now, we can both protect the environment and take advantage of future economic opportunities. We look forward to working with the federal government on this important priority."

The governments of Canada and Manitoba agreed to explore co-operation on renewable energy development opportunities such as wind-power and alternative forms of energy such as ethanol. These opportunities offer potential for economic development, new jobs and significant reductions to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. In addition, the governments will explore co-operation to promote energy-efficiency practices, assess the impacts of climate change, develop adaptation strategies, promote individual actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maximize reductions and removals of greenhouse gases in the agricultural sector.

In October 2002, the Government of Manitoba released Manitoba’s Climate Change Action Plan – 2002: Kyoto and Beyond, a plan of action to meet and exceed Manitoba Kyoto targets. The Climate Change Action Plan includes initiatives in the energy, transportation and agriculture sectors including hydroelectricity, hydrogen development, ethanol production, energy efficiency, solar power and methane capture. The MOU signed today is consistent with the commitments in this action plan.

The province of Manitoba recently announced the creation of Efficiency Manitoba, a new energy and resource efficiency organization to give Manitobans greater access to programs and services that will help them reduce their heating and utility costs, and conserve energy. A plan was also announced to create a Climate Trust in co-operation with the Chicago Climate Exchange to help Manitobans and their communities capture the full potential of the emerging emissions credit trading market to help fund economic development and projects that help our environment.

The Government of Canada has committed more than $3.7 billion to climate change programs and to the development of leading-edge technologies including $2 billion in Budget 2003. The Government of Canada’s approach to climate change is focused on making the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming Canada’s place in the world.

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For more information on the Government of Canada’s action on climate change, visit http://www.climatechange.gc.ca.

More information about Manitoba initiatives to support action on climate change is available through the Energy, Science and Technology section of the Manitoba government website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/est/climatechange/ .