VANCOUVER — Merran Smith, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement on the conclusion of a meeting of federal and provincial environment ministers in Ottawa today:
“Canada can reduce carbon pollution by transforming how we produce and use energy, and create big opportunities for new investment and new jobs in the process. We need to focus less on what we have to cut and more on what we can build—a prosperous, resilient and nimble economy that’s powered by clean energy.
“The scale of Canada’s climate challenge is sobering, but Canadians can do it. We need a Canadian clean energy and innovation plan that brings strong climate and economic policies together. That’s the key to sparking the innovation, building the infrastructure, and creating the jobs that will help Canada transition to a clean economy.
“Working together, Canada’s provincial and federal leaders have an opportunity to align our economic and environmental priorities. By drawing on the best expertise and experience each region has to offer, they can develop and deliver a credible national plan to fight climate change while positioning Canada to compete and prosper in the growing clean energy economy.”
