ST. JOHN'S - The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to address climate change. The two governments have identified priority areas in which they can build partnerships and ensure a consistent, coordinated approach in their actions and initiatives on climate change. Newfoundland and Labrador is the fifth province or territory to sign a bilateral agreement on climate change with the Government of Canada. The agreement was signed by Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, and Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, signed on behalf of the Government of Canada. "Collaboration will be key to meeting Canada's climate change goals," said Minister Efford. "This agreement will help us take advantage of partnership opportunities and implement the innovative ideas we need to build a healthier environment and strong economy. I congratulate the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for signing this agreement with the Government of Canada." "Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the environment and addressing climate change, which is a challenging and serious environmental issue," said Minister Osborne. "This MOU will provide opportunities for our province and the Government of Canada to work cooperatively in taking action on climate change. Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to work diligently to ensure healthier communities in the province, and will use this agreement as another step forward in our efforts to achieve positive environmental change." "I am pleased that one of the priority areas in the MOU is to explore the role that hydroelectric projects, such as the development of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving national and provincial climate change objectives," said Minister Byrne. "Besides providing an economical source of electricity, the Lower Churchill project can provide a significant portion of Canada's greenhouse gas reduction target, which is good for the environment, the economy, and the country." "Our recently announced Plan, Moving Forward on Climate Change, offers a balanced approach with fair reduction targets to ensure a cleaner environment and economic growth," said Minister Dion. "This agreement underlines the Government of Canada's commitment to working with the provinces and territories toward addressing climate change, and toward honouring our Kyoto commitment while remaining competitive." Other priority areas for cooperation in the agreement include research and development on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable and alternative energy development, energy management and efficiency in government facilities, municipal planning and solid waste management, and increasing public awareness and education of climate change and its impacts. The new Government of Canada climate change plan, announced recently, sets out a number of measures for building a healthy environment and a competitive economy, including increased action by individual Canadians through an enhanced One-Tonne Challenge program. The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focused on making the right choices for Canada. Initiatives such as this one are important in reducing emissions and ensuring that the actions taken today produce long-term results while maintaining a strong and growing economy. For more information, or for a copy of the agreement, please visit http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/inter/index_e.html. For more information on climate change, visit http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/. FOR BROADCAST USE: The Government of Canada has reached an agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador on addressing climate change. Under the agreement, which was signed in St. John's today, both governments committed to building partnerships and working cooperatively on climate change initiatives. For more information, media may contact: Ghyslain Charron Tom Ormsby Media Relations Director of Communications Natural Resources Canada Office of the Minister Ottawa Natural Resources Canada (613) 992-4447 Ottawa (613) 996-2007 André Lamarre Sonia Glover Director of Communications Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment Department of Environment and Conservation Gatineau St. John's (819) 997-1441 (709) 729-2575 Carmel Turpin Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources St. John's (709) 729-5282 The following media backgrounder is also available: Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Addressing Climate Change
