Jul 17 2006
Conserving energy and improving energy efficiency in British Columbia homes and buildings are the goals of Government of Canada funding provided to the Province of British Columbia. The two governments are combining efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and act on the province's energy-efficiency and -conservation goals.
The Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Products for British Columbia, and Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood-Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, announced a total of $11 million in Government of Canada support for the province's Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy.
The funding supports the implementation of energy-efficiency actions contained in the strategy released by the Province of British Columbia last fall. In response to increasing energy costs and to recognize new energy-efficient designs and technologies for buildings, the province worked with both public- and private-sector stakeholders, including federal agencies and utility companies, to develop cost-effective, energy-efficiency targets for new and existing buildings.
"I'm proud that my province is leading the way in improving energy efficiency in our buildings and our homes," said Minister Lunn. "Partnerships such as these show that the best way to make progress is by sharing the same goals and working together. Cooperation will be a key part of the Government of Canada's approach to reducing greenhouse gases and ensuring clean air, water, land and energy."
"B.C. is a world-leader in innovative alternative-energy solutions, including energy efficiency," said Minister Neufeld. "We launched our Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy - a first of its kind in Canada, encompassing all types of buildings - because it helps consumers and communities save money, it creates jobs and it reduces the environmental impact of energy use."
The Government of Canada funding comes from the Opportunities Envelope. This program was designed to support cost-effective projects or programs brought forward by provinces and territories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its flexibility allowed provinces and territories to develop solutions that meet their specific needs and circumstances.