Support awarded to the Chambre de commerce des
Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Gaspé, Quebec, October 19, 2005 The
Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of Canada Economic Development and
Minister responsible for the Francophonie, and the Honourable John McCallum,
Minister of National Revenue and Acting Minister of Natural Resources, today
announced the awarding of $46,053 in financial assistance to the Chambre de
commerce des Îles-de-la-Madeleine to help fund the International Conference
on Wind Energy in Remote Regions.
This event, which will bring together representatives from Native and Inuit
communities, among others, is the first of its kind to be held in the region.
The fruit of a joint effort by the Chambre de commerce and the
Université du Québec à Rimouski, this symposium will look at the emerging
issues, technologies and innovations in the wind energy sector as well as at its
environmental impact, benefits and growth prospects for remote regions. Nearly
200 participants from around the world will come together to share their
knowledge and know-how on this booming renewable energy source.
"I am delighted to see the Government of Canada associated with such a fine
initiative. Wind energy is an emerging industry and its development is the
subject of broad consensus in the Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine region. That
is why it is so critical that we learn more about its potential while building
new networks of contacts," stated Minister Saada.
The partnerships forged among TechnoCentre éolien Gaspésie Les
Îles, Énergie PGE Inc. and the organizers of this conference
illustrate the lead role the Government of Canada intends to play in the
development of the wind energy sector.
"By supporting international conferences on wind power, the Government of
Canada continues its global leadership role in encouraging the research,
development and exchange of renewable energy solutions," said the
Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Natural
Resources. "The Government of Canada is also helping accelerate the use of these
innovative energy technologies to address future energy needs for Canadians in a
sustainable and responsible way."
Stimulating Canada's culture of innovation and positioning the country among
the world's leaders in wind energy are key priorities for the Government of
Canada. It is for these reasons that the government supports projects that are
in line with its sustainable development strategy and foster the growth of this
promising sector in Canada.
As part of its pledge to build a 21st Century economy, the Government of
Canada is committed to improving the quality of life in communities. To that
end, this conference will help pinpoint various strategies to assist communities
in strengthening their future. It is a well-established fact that access to
knowledge enables enterprises to become more innovative, more competitive and
more cost-effective while playing a larger role in local development.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal
budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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Sources:
Karina GagnonCommunicationsCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: (418) 368-5870 or 1 866 368-0044E-mail:
karina.gagnon@dec-ced.gc.ca
Daniel DezaindeDirector of Communications andParliamentary
AffairsOffice of the Honourable Jacques SaadaCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: (514) 496-1282
Tom OrmsbyDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the MinisterNatural
Resources CanadaOttawa Tel.: (613) 996-2007
