Budget 2017: Electricity Key to Building Canada’s Low-Carbon Future – CEA

Press Release

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 emission 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 M. 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.”

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About the Canadian Electricity Association

Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) members generate, transmit and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers across Canada every day. From vertically integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, to power marketers, to the manufacturers and suppliers of materials, technology and services that keep the industry running smoothly — all are represented by this national industry association.

For additional information:

Margaux Stastny Director,
Communications
Telephone: 613 786 4333
stastny@electricity.ca

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