Canada and Northwest Territories announce climate action to reduce industrial and commercial pollution

YELLOWKNIFE, May 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Last month, a report from expert Canadian scientists showed that Canada is warming at twice the global rate and that the North is warming at three times the global rate. People in the Northwest Territories are feeling the impacts of climate change in their communities. Canadians want to fight climate change, to be part of the solution, which is why Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to reduce pollution, create good jobs, and support healthy communities.

Today, the Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, Michael McLeod, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Catherine McKenna, joined the Honourable Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment for the Government of the Northwest Territories to announce up to $8 million in federal support for the Government of the Northwest Territories' new Greenhouse Gas Grant Program for Buildings and Industry.

This new application-based grant program will support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating, electricity, transportation, and industrial processes. The program will lower the upfront cost of energy efficiency retrofits, like space heating boiler and district heating systems, ensuring that the transition to a clean economy is affordable for all.

By working together, Canadians across the country will be able to continue to protect the environment and fight climate change in a practical and affordable way.

Quotes

"We are taking real action on climate change through renewable energy, fuel substitution, and energy efficiency retrofits for our territory's industrial and commercial sectors. The people of the Northwest Territories can be proud that their governments are creating the tools needed so that everyone can play a role in reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, and creating good jobs for our Northern economy."
- Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

"Today's announcement supports the Government of the Northwest Territories' long-term vision and approach to energy and climate change that will enable the NWT to transition to a strong, healthy economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels. We welcome the announcement and look forward to continued partnerships with the Government of Canada as we work to achieve our goals."
- Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick facts

• In Northwest Territories, a federal investment of over $31 million will support the NWT's climate objectives, including energy efficiency in buildings, housing, transportation and industry sectors, and for reforestation.
• The Greenhouse Gas Grant Program for Buildings and Industry is the sixth program in the Northwest Territories to be funded through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. Minister McKenna previously announced five programs on October 11, 2018.
• The Government of the Northwest Territories will be focusing on climate action that reduces emissions in the industrial sector, which is one of the primary emissions sources in the territory.

Associated links

• Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Canada's Changing Climate Report
• GHG Grant Program for Buildings and Industry
• NWT 2030 Energy Strategy

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada