Speech

Thank you.

I can't think of a better place than right here in the heart of “Energy City” to talk about the next steps... in our commitment to achieving concrete results in our plan to reduce our emmisions for the benefit of all Canadians from coast to coast.

Estevan is clearly a vibrant, thriving community. Still, no matter where you live – there is no question we are seeing a period of exceptional economic volatility.

Although Canada’s economy remains strong and we’re making steady progress with our deficit reduction plan, this Government is committed to providing Canadian businesses with as much certainty as possible in these uncertain times. And we’re pleased to now be in a position to do so.

The more clarity the Harper Government can provide, the more transparent we are, the more companies can focus with confidence on investing in growth and job creation- right here in Saskatchewan and right across the country.

We are following through on the commitments we’ve made. When it comes to Grenhouse Gas (GHG)s, for example, we’ve adopted a systematic sector-by-sector approach that includes plenty of opportunity for consultation. We’re convinced that working together with industry – and a policy of no surprises - is the best way to forge effective environmental plans.

In June of last year we proceeded, announcing our intention to phase out the use of inefficient coal fired electricity generation in Canada. This is an important part of our plan to reach our 2020 target for GHG emission reductions.

Today, I’m announcing the next forward step in that sector-by-sector strategy: publication of our new draft electricity regulations in Canada Gazette this month. These are proposed regulations that will – literally - let all Canadians breathe easier. And they are the result of extensive discussion with the industry, provinces and stakeholders.

Along with our U.S. counterparts - who share Canada’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - we began with the transportation sector and emission regulations for passenger vehicles and trucks.

We have listened carefully. Very carefully.

We then used the input from those consultations to draft regulations that strike a balance...a balance between improving environmental standards and respecting industry’s need for simple, streamlined rules and a realistic timeline.

Our plan underscores the natural link between economic sustainability and environmental stewardship in Canada. This is about the well-being and the future of our country and all Canadians.

These proposed regulations take into account the fact that many electricity facilities across Canada are old and need to be replaced soon. We’re acting now to ensure that power companies understand today, the rules that will affect the new investments they have to make tomorrow. It allows for an orderly process – the bedrock of certainty.

Our Government understands Canadians' concerns around the quality of the air we breathe.

We know reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases will help us get there.

Our commitment to achieve a cleaner, more efficient standard will benefit the health of Canadians and families for generations to come.

And we are counting on all sectors to help us get there.

Our goal in all of this is straightforward: we want to keep our word to reduce GHG emissions. We want to act as responsible managers of the environment and the economy. We want to encourage the shift to cleaner alternatives and to ensure money is spent on clean technology and innovation like carbon capture and storage – an area where Saskatchewan is already a leader.

I can almost hear you asking: what’s all this going to cost?

We are proposing that the regulation be implemented on July 1 2015, so there will be no price impact in the near term. Even then by 2020, the average Canadian residential electricity bill will increase by only about $5 a year and the annual impact on GDP is estimated to be only 0.2 per cent.

That said, the consultation process isn’t over yet. We at Environment Canada have some more listening to do during the formal comment period that follows publication of the draft regs before anything is finalized.

Given Canada’s economic and political stability, we are well-positioned to move forward with action...action that improves the health of all Canadians, our environment and of course the economy...action that moves us closer to meeting our target to reduce greenhouse gases...action like the proposed regulations for the electricity sector ensure our industries have the certainty they need to grow.

At a time of such uncertainty, there is one absolute certainty: under this Government, Canada will continue to prosper...and it will do so while embracing – and enforcing - the highest environmental standards.

Thank you.