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Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau today released Beyond Kyoto, Manitoba’s detailed action plan to reach its proposed legislated Kyoto target by 2012.

 

“This document provides the steps all Manitobans can take together so we can reach our Kyoto commitment by 2012,” said Rondeau.  “The plan covers all sectors and focuses on expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions from our transport and agriculture sectors.”

 

The climate change plan was developed with significant community and business input through workshops and the Climate Change and Green Economy Conference held last year.

 

“This plan will help set the course for Manitoba’s green economic future,” said University of Winnipeg president Lloyd Axworthy, who chaired the 2001 provincial government Climate Change Task Force which reported in September of that year. “I am pleased workshops that sought out the views and recommendations of Manitobans on greenhouse gas reductions are reflected in this document.”

 

Manitoba’s updated Climate Change Action Plan contains more than 60 actions to meet Manitoba’s climate change commitments. The plan is supported by $145 million in funding to meet commitments outlined in the government’s recently-introduced climate change legislation.  Highlights of these investments include:

·         More Geothermal in Schools:  An enhanced provincewide policy requiring the expanded use of geothermal in new school construction projects will build on Manitoba’s leadership position in use of the ground-source heating and cooling systems.  Since 2000, the geothermal industry in Manitoba has grown from $3 million to $30 million annually and more than half of Canada’s geothermal installers have been trained in Manitoba.

·         Transit Commitment:  Manitoba is putting the 50-50 transit operating funding formula in law and extending that commitment to any rapid transit system to give municipalities confidence in their long-term planning.  

·         More Hybrids:  Manitoba’s successful hybrid vehicle rebate program is being extended. To date, over 600 hybrid rebates worth approximately $1.2 million have been issued to Manitobans.  Manitoba’s current fleet of hybrid vehicles has more than doubled since the introduction of this program.                                                                                 

·         More Trees, More Biomass: The province will proceed with its plan to plant five million trees over the next five years. In addition, new investments will be made to expand and promote use of biomass as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels such as coal.

Rondeau also announced funding of $400,000 annually to support a range of projects consistent with Manitoba’s Climate Change Plan. Support will come from Manitoba’s Climate Change Action Fund.

 

“We have always said Manitoba’s overall greenhouse gas emissions are low compared to the rest of North America, but could be lower still,” said Rondeau. “We are committed to working with all Manitobans to meet our emission targets and to build a greener economy.”

 

Rondeau said the Climate Change Action Fund has been redesigned to support longer-term, community-based projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in areas such as transportation, agriculture and northern initiatives.  This includes:

·         three-year funding for Climate Change Connection, Resource Conservation Manitoba and the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative;

·         two-year funding for an organics program; and

·         funding for a local foods marketing program, a sustainable transportation hub study at the University of Winnipeg and a Carbon Lite Community Program at Fort Whyte Alive. 

 

 

 

Since 2001, the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund has provided approximately $2.5 million to support 80 projects focusing on public education and outreach, technological innovation, scientific research, energy efficiency and alternative energy sources.

 

Today’s funding announcement, along with the introduction of climate change legislation and the distribution of the province’s climate change plan, make up the blueprint to help Manitoba reach its Kyoto objective by 2012, said Rondeau.

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