CanNor-11-014
Whitehorse, (Yukon), October 17, 2011 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced funding for new research into long-term, clean energy options for Yukon.
"Projects that examine alternative, renewable energy options are important in planning for the long-term sustainability of Northern communities," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Moving forward with investments in clean energy research will help us balance our need for energy in growing sectors such as resource development, with our need to protect the environment."
"New research will assist Yukon Energy Corporation develop a long-term energy plan for the territory," said Ryan Leef, Yukon Member of Parliament. "Positive results from this research could lead to new project development, which in turn could create jobs, new businesses and build capacity."
Support from CanNor will enable Yukon Energy Corporation to carry out public engagement sessions with Yukoners and undertake new research into various types of alternative energy such as geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar. It will also support a feasibility study and business plan to examine the viability of using waste recovery technology to convert municipal waste into electrical energy for the Yukon.
"As the demand for energy grows, we are looking at all possible options for meeting that need with electricity that is affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible and flexible," said Yukon Energy Corporation president David Morrison. "I want to thank CanNor for this significant contribution, which will help us work with Yukoners to plan a clean energy future."
This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.
Backgrounder - Cannor Invests In Alternative Energy Research For Yukon
Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.
For further information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
613-957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
867-667-3849
Yukon Energy Corporation
Janet Patterson
Supervisor, Communications
867-393-5333
janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
