News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER CALLS ON PARLIAMENT TO PASS THE GOVERNMENT'S ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

March 22, 2007
Montreal, Quebec

During a speech at an environmental technology conference today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on Parliament to pass the environmental measures Canada's New Government has placed before the House. Speaking as the Honourary President of the Americana 2007 International Trade Show, the Prime Minister said: "The 2007 federal budget, which is now before Parliament, includes measures which are critical for the environment."

The measures cited by Prime Minister Harper include:

New programs to spur the production and use of renewable fuels;

Linking federal support for industries such as the oilsands to investments in green technologies;

Incentives to encourage energy-conserving vehicles and discourage gas-guzzlers;

Dramatically increased support for enforcement of environmental laws.

A national strategy to rehabilitate major lakes across Canada;

A partnership with the Nature Conservancy to preserve half a million acres of ecologically significant land in southern Canada;

An initiative to preserve the Great Bear Rain Forest in British Columbia;

Confirmation of funds for the EcoTrust partnerships with the provinces and territories.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a balanced and cooperative approach was key to achieving Canada's environmental objectives while preserving jobs and living standards. He noted that the Government's three Eco-Energy Initiatives – which support advances in energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and alternative energy sources – were developed in cooperation with industry.

The Prime Minister also told the audience of environmental experts and entrepreneurs that the Clean Air Act regulations setting mandatory air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions targets for major industries will be unveiled within weeks.

"Inaction on the environment heralds consequences that are beyond contemplation," Prime Minister Harper said. "But action on the environment promises opportunities of limitless potential."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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