CALGARY, September 10, 2004 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today issued a call for governments, industry, environmental organizations and others to work together to ensure Canada and Canadians are in a position to harvest the opportunities offered by a changing global economy. Speaking at a meeting of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Minister Dion referred to the linkages between environmental considerations and economic competitiveness as a "new Industrial Revolution." "More and more, we see the signs of what can only be described as a new Industrial Revolution, a revolution that is placing the environment as a key driver of creativity, of innovation and of competitiveness around the world," said Minister Dion. "Those nations that succeed in reconciling their environment and their economy will enjoy an insurmountable economic advantage," he added. Minister Dion noted that other nations threaten to leave Canada at a competitive disadvantage because they are adopting long-term goals for energy conservation, investing in renewable and alternative energy sources and sustainable resource practices that will position them to meet the challenges of the next fifty years. "Canada is already home to some of the world's leading-edge, innovative industry leaders who are proving that investing in sustainable practices places them at the forefront of their field," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources. "Companies must adapt to this changing global economy in order to lead the way in the coming decades and ultimately ensure Canada's long-term economic and environmental health." Minister Dion suggested that a way to help Canada move to the forefront of the sustainable economy may be the creation of a series of permanent, on-going, sector sustainability tables that would bring together stakeholders from across the private and public sectors and other key elements of Canadian society. Minister Dion outlined his vision of a collaborative, national approach to ensure Canada and Canadian enterprise will be among the leaders in this new competitive environment. Five areas were outlined as priorities: An improved and more effective decision-making process that includes governments, industry and citizens; A stronger approach to science and technology; A mechanism to ensure that information about the state of Canada's environment is developed to allow the nation to clearly set targets and measure results, just as it does on economic performance; An incentive and penalty structure that is streamlined and fair; and A focus on education to help all Canadians make informed choices. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441
