The 2008 Manitoba Budget Address

Climate Change

Citizens and governments have important actions to take if we’re to combat the effects of global warming. How we achieve this will help determine the shape of the economy of the future – it is the opportunity for Manitoba to lay the foundation for a sustainable low-carbon economy.

Manitoba has a strong record of achievement in fighting climate change. We were the first in Canada to take action and we will be the first to demonstrate solid results.

• Manitoba is already a North American leader in geothermal installations and the building of green buses.
  
  
  
• Our $2,000 hybrid vehicle rebate has helped hundreds of Manitobans reduce fossil fuel use and tailpipe emissions by choosing an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle.
  
  
  
• We closed the coal plant in East Selkirk and are phasing down the remaining plant in Brandon.

In the days ahead, our government will be announcing our comprehensive multiyear funding plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which will include action on sustainable farm practices, trucking technologies, active transport initiatives, green heating technologies, and much more.

Mr. Speaker, our actions to date along with the new measures we will be announcing put us on track to have a carbon neutral decade - no increase in emissions from 2000 to 2010 - and become the first jurisdiction in Canada to meet a legislated Kyoto target by 2012.

Manitoba Hydro is a big part of Manitoba’s environmental advantage. Manitoba relies less on fossil fuels than much of North America, with 98% of the electricity generated coming from clean, renewable water power. Hydro exports have allowed other jurisdictions to displace electricity from coal and oil-fired plants, reducing greenhouse gases.

Our government is developing our province’s hydro-electric resources to their full potential for the benefit of all Manitobans. Construction of the Wuskwatim Dam in partnership with the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is under way now and development work continues on Conawapa.

The investments of past years are producing excellent returns. Electricity exports bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Manitoba annually and Hydro’s debt equity ratio has improved from 86% ten years ago to 78% today.

Other initiatives to promote the development of clean energy resources include:

• developing 1,000 MW of wind energy;
  
  
• creating a community wind power fund to help set up monitoring towers to determine local wind strength;
  
  
• introducing the ethanol blended fuel mandate; and
  
  
• establishing a 5% mandate for biodiesel by 2010.

Through its Power Smart program, Manitoba Hydro has helped Manitoba win first place in Canada for promoting energy efficiency through innovative programs such as energy audits, on-bill financing for retrofits and geothermal systems, and promotion of energy-efficient appliances.

Manitoba Hydro recently announced the province-wide expansion of its Lower Income Energy Efficiency program. This year, our government will work with Manitoba Hydro and community groups to assist an estimated 1,200 households with low incomes take advantage of energy efficient opportunities. Building on a project with Island Lake First Nations, our government will also work with Manitoba Hydro to offer community-based energy efficiency retrofit programs to First Nations across Manitoba. These programs help reduce energy bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions, as well as providing local training and employment opportunities.