OTTAWA
-- April 1, 2009 –Today, the Honourable
Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment,
announced that the Government of Canada
will introduce tough new regulations to
limit greenhouse gas emissions from the
automotive sector under the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).
“Any significant strategy
to address greenhouse gases and pollution
must address on-road emissions, and that
is exactly what we are doing,” said Minister
Prentice. “The new regulations under CEPA
will be very effective in helping transform
our automotive sector and make it greener.”
In keeping with the
Government of Canada’s commitment to put
these regulations in place for 2011 model
year vehicles, the Government will proceed
immediately to put regulations in place
under CEPA. By taking this approach, the
Government of Canada will have the flexibility
to harmonize its regulations with the broad
range of possible future actions from the
U.S. government to address greenhouse gas
emissions from vehicles.
Moving to develop carbon
dioxide emission regulations is part of
the Government of Canada’s efforts to address
climate change. These regulations will help
achieve the Government’s commitment to reducing
Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions
by 20 percent from 2006 levels by 2020.
Transportation accounts for approximately
one quarter of Canada’s total GHG emissions.
Of that quarter, passenger cars and light-duty
trucks account for nearly half, contributing
12% of Canada’s total GHG emissions.
The Government will
be publishing a Notice of Intent in the
coming days and consultations with interested
parties will proceed as soon as possible.
Proposed regulations will be published in
the Canada Gazette later this year, followed
by a formal public review and comment period.
Final regulations will come into force in
2010 and will apply to vehicles of the 2011
and later model years.
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
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Government of Canada
Unveils new Doppler Radar for 2010 Winter
Games
VANCOUVER, BC - The
Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the
Environment, today announced a new Doppler
radar, the final piece of technology installed
to provide weather forecasting for the 2010
Winter Games.
“Since 2003, Environment
Canada has been training and preparing to
deliver weather services for the Games,”
said Minister Prentice. “With this final
installation of the new Doppler radar, we
are ready to provide the real-time weather
information that 2010 decision-makers need
to keep the Olympics safe and fair.”
“Obtaining accurate
information about the complex weather in
south-western B.C will enhance the safety
and security of the Games,” said the Honourable
Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “This
new system will also help athletes prepare
for weather conditions during competitions.”
The Doppler radar provides
Environment Canada’s forecasters with important
information about the motion and structure
of weather systems in the Callaghan Valley,
on Whistler Mountain and along the Sea-to-Sky
Highway. The radar, located just outside
of Whistler, will help determine if and
when a storm could cause severe weather
that will impact the Games or safety of
the public.
For the 2010 Winter
Games, the Government of Canada has committed
$13.4 million to provide weather services
for Games operations, leadership on Games
sustainability, and environmental assessments
on Olympic venues. Hosting the 2010 Olympic
and Paralympic Winter Games is a unique
opportunity for Canada to showcase its accomplishments
and innovations to the world, while realizing
sustainable environmental, social, cultural,
and economic benefits across the country
and for all Canadians.
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
+ More
Government of Canada
to Participate in Earth Hour
GATINEAU, QC - The Honourable
Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works
and Government Services, and the Honourable
Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment,
are proud to support Earth Hour 2009 on
March 28 by reducing lighting in federally
owned office buildings to help raise awareness
of climate change.
“The Government of Canada’s
continued participation in Earth Hour is
an indication of our commitment to being
mindful consumers,” said Minister Paradis.
“As the custodian of one of the largest
office building portfolios in the country,
Public Works and Government Services Canada
is committed to incorporating environmental
practices into waste management, water conservation
and the efficient use of energy in our buildings.”
“Supporting Earth Hour
is part of our commitment to help create
a healthier environment for Canadians,”
said Minister Prentice. “Simple actions
such as turning off the lights can help
improve our environment and tackle climate
change as well as empower Canadians to make
important lifestyle changes that benefit
their families and their environment. We
encourage Canadians to take part in Earth
Hour.”
Earth Hour is a global
symbolic event held annually to raise awareness
of climate change. Since its introduction
in 2007, support has grown to over 77 countries,
promoting greater understanding about the
need for reducing energy consumption around
the globe.
Landmarks such as Parliament
Hill, including the Peace Tower’s clock
face, will have little or no lighting between
8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 28. Canada
wordmarks and decorative lighting on government
buildings across the nation will also be
switched off. For health and safety reasons,
some lighting is required to remain on at
all times. As this is the busiest time of
the year for many federal employees (for
instance those working on income tax returns
or fiscal year-end files) lighting will
be on in some office buildings.
Supporting Earth Hour
2009 complements the Government of Canada’s
commitment to take action to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and fight the effects of climate
change. The Government of Canada has introduced
a series of programs to help Canadians take
action through tax credits for public transit
passes, incentives to get high-polluting
vehicles off the road and promote use of
sustainable transportation choices through
the Retire Your Ride program, and home efficiency
grants through the eco ENERGY retrofit program.
For more information
on the Government of Canada’s commitment
to environmental issues, and to find out
more about consumer incentive programs,
visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca.
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Public Works and Government Services Canada
