For immediate release September 11, 2012
Blue Green Canada responds to Energy and Mines Ministers Conference
Charlottetown, PEI – Blue Green Canada members responded to the outcomes of the Energy and Mines Minsters Conference in Charlottetown. Blue Green Canada has been calling for a Canadian energy strategy that cuts emissions, creates jobs and transitions to a low-carbon economy.
“The federal government continues to single-mindedly focus on increasing oil exports and refuses to have a frank dialogue about the impacts of placing all our eggs in that basket. Luckily, moving forward on a Canadian energy strategy doesn’t depend on them – provinces can take the lead and craft a plan to create good new jobs, cut emissions and spur clean, renewable energy.”
Mark Rowlinson, Assistant to the Canadian National Director, United Steelworkers
“The stakes are too high to let progress towards a Canadian energy strategy fizzle. Our climate and our economy need us to get serious about the transition to clean energy, and when the Premiers met in Halifax, they promised to work together to reduce emissions and spur new jobs. Big oil can’t be the only show in town. We look forward to working with the provinces to put meat on the bones of a Canadian energy strategy in the coming months.”
Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence
“There is a real pressing need to continue elaborating a plan to reduce emissions and create good quality jobs in each of Canada’s provinces. We look forward to conversations with governments and with members of the industry to take steps towards planning a green and stable future for our communities.”
Dave Coles, National President, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP)
"While much talk has been made about diversifying Canada's oil and gas markets, Canada also needs to diversify its energy industry into more clean energy technologies and production. This conference in Charlottetown shows that some provinces and territories across Canada are taking more seriously the need to create green jobs and a vibrant and competitive clean energy economy. We look forward to continued progress towards a Canadian energy strategy."
Ed Whittingham, Executive Director, Pembina Institute
"The Premiers took a step toward a Canadian Energy strategy that will reduce fossil fuel dependence, cut energy waste, create more clean-energy jobs, and fight climate change," said Merran Smith, director of Clean Energy Canada at Tides Canada. "We will be watching for leadership from the Premier's on this issue."
Merran Smith, Director, Energy Program, Tides Canada.
Representatives from the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union (CEP), Environmental Defence, the United Steelworkers union, Pembina Institute and Tides Canada were in Charlottetown to advance their vision for a Canadian energy strategy that hastens the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Blue Green Canada was founded in 2008 as a way to put old fights aside and bring workers and environmentalists together. It hopes the new consensus among provinces and territories will allow for practical ways to create jobs, cut emissions and lower energy bills for families.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Roxanne Dubois, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, 613-724-7486, rdubois@cep.ca
Gillian McEachern, Environmental Defence, 416-629-4711, gmceachern@environmentaldefence.ca
Mark Rowlinson, United Steelworkers, 647-231-5983, mrowlinson@usw.ca
Nathan Lemphers, Pembina, 613-301-0747
Merran Smith, Tides Canada, 604 947-2200
