Ottawa (March 22, 2017) – In reaction to the federal budget tabled today, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) welcomes the government’s commitment to supporting tomorrow’s low-carbon economy and spurring innovation.
“Canada’s future prosperity will be built on a foundation of clean, sustainable growth and Canada’s electricity sector operates at the nexus of economic growth and environmental protection,” said the Honourable Sergio Marchi, CEA’s President and CEO. “Having reduced emissions over 30% since 2005, Canadian companies produce some of the cleanest electricity in the world and remain uniquely positioned to power our future low- carbon economy.”
CEA is particularly encouraged by the government’s support for Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s Sustainable Development Tech Fund; for electric vehicle charging infrastructure; for the deployment of clean electricity and emerging renewable energy technologies; as well as the $1 billion dollar injection into the Innovations Skills Plan. CEA members continue to be active supporters of reducing Aboriginal and northern communities’ dependence on diesel generation, a long-held CEA priority.
“Canadian electricity companies are investing in Canada’s future. For the last decade at least three of the top five infrastructure projects in Canada have been electricity projects,” added Marchi. “We look forward to further details on how the Canada Infrastructure Bank will help our members ensure continued access to the safe, reliable electricity that powers our economy and our daily lives.”