Government of Canada supports climate action by the University of Saskatchewan

News release

March 13, 2019 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Canadians are feeling the impacts and costs of climate change first hand. By working together, we can take action on climate change in a way that benefits all Canadians. That’s why the Government of Canada is working with businesses, cities and towns, Indigenous communities, universities, schools and hospitals to reduce pollution, improve our health, and make life more affordable.

Today, Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced support for climate action by the University of Saskatchewan. The Government is investing up to $1.5 million, subject to a formal funding agreement, to help the University of Saskatchewan reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing electricity and natural gas consumption by improving heating, ventilation and cooling systems in campus buildings. 

The project will analyze 26 campus buildings to identify systems and low cost measures that will be implemented immediately to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. 

The funding comes from the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund – an important part of Canada’s climate plan. The Fund invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs in a clean economy.

Canada’s climate plan puts Canada on track for the biggest reduction in carbon emissions in our country’s history. The plan has over 50 measures including investing in clean energy and phasing out coal power, building public transit, and introducing a price on carbon pollution so that it is no longer free to pollute. 

Quotes

“Canadians across the country are coming up with innovative and affordable solutions to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions, saving people money and creating good jobs along the way. By investing in these projects, from coast to coast to coast, the Government of Canada is making sure we are positioned to succeed in the $26 trillion global market for clean solutions and to create good middle-class jobs today and for the future.”

– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“The most obvious impact of climate change in Saskatchewan is the increasing frequency and severity of damaging weather, including storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. The costs in the last few years have added up to hundreds of millions of dollars. So doing nothing about climate change is not cost-free. By supporting innovative projects like the University of Saskatchewan’s, we can lower emissions, lowering many of those costs, and grow our economy at the same time.”

– Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Regina–Wascana

Quick facts

  • According to Clean Energy Canada, the energy-efficiency measures in Canada’s climate plan will help improve Canada’s economy and environment between now and 2030 by creating 118,000 new jobs, boosting our GDP by $356 billion, and saving Canadian households an average of $114 a year. Every $1 spent on energy efficiency generates approximately $7 of GDP.

  • The Low Carbon Economy Challenge, valued at $450 million, supports projects that will leverage ingenuity across the country to reduce emissions and generate clean growth.

Associated links

Contacts

Sabrina Kim
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-743-7138
sabrina.kim2@canada.ca

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Twitter page

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page

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