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The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing made the announcement.

The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this investment as part of the Government of Canada’s funding announced under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for Ontario. This will lead to improved energy efficiency and support the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems in existing and new affordable housing that are capable of generating energy and selling surplus energy back into the electrical grid.

The funding for today’s announcement is part of a joint investment of more than $1.2 billion over two years through an amendment to the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement which was announced in June 2009.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides over two years $850 million for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing, plus a further $475 million to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. These new housing investments also address Canada’s goals with respect to climate change and the environment. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Ontario is investing $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In addition, the province has already approved more than $382 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

LEARN MORE

http://www.cmhc.ca

www.mah.gov.on.ca

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VICTORIA – An audit of the BC Oil and Gas Commission has found that it must improve its oversight of oil and gas sites in order to adequately manage the risks of contamination, says Auditor General John Doyle in his latest report, released today.
“The oil and gas industry in B.C. has seen significant growth over the last decade, which has the benefit of increased revenues for the province, but also carries greater risks of contamination,” said Doyle. “British Columbians value the contributions the oil and gas industry makes to the province, but they also want government to ensure that industry meets its obligations to protect the environment and restore sites.”
The report, titled Oil and Gas Site Contamination Risks: Improved oversight needed, specifically addresses the Oil and Gas Commission’s oversight of upstream contamination risks, which include such processes as exploration, well completion, and production. In addition to the environmental and human health risks of contamination, there is the additional risk that some well operators may not meet their legal responsibilities to restore sites, due to their financial situation.
The report provides further detail on the key areas requiring improvement, such as:
• information on environmental and financial risks, and the associated oversight procedures; and
• accountability reporting to legislators and the public.
“I had expected more progress because this is not our first audit dealing with contaminated sites in British Columbia,” said Doyle, referring to the 2002/03 report on provincial contaminated sites. “However, I am encouraged by the initiatives that were underway at the completion of the audit. If fully implemented, they would help to better protect the province from the risks of oil and gas site contamination.”
The report is available at www.bcauditor.com.

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“I am pleased to announce our approach to community energy today, and I look forward to the innovative projects that we will see in New Brunswick as a result of today’s announcement,” said Energy Minister Jack Keir. “Community energy provides a terrific opportunity for interested communities and First Nations to participate actively in the development of renewable energy in our province while contributing to the environmental sustainability of our communities.”

The initial phase will consist of 75 MW, of which 50 MW will be assigned to community-owned projects and the other 25 MW to First Nations projects. Approved projects will receive 10 cents/kWh for electricity produced beginning in 2010. After five years, the price of the electricity produced will increase with the consumer price index in New Brunswick.

To qualify under the policy, projects must not be larger than 15 MW in capacity. They must be majority-owned by First Nations, municipalities, co-operatives, not-for-profit organizations or institutions. New Brunswick-based private corporations and investors may be minority partners.

“As a key component of our government’s energy policy, we are committed to the development of renewable energy in New Brunswick,” said Keir. “The provincial government is, and always will be, focused on providing opportunities for New Brunswickers in all regions of the province to participate in the Energy Hub.”

Eleven workshops will be held between March 8 and 24 to educate interested communities and partners about the policy. A request for expressions of interest will be issued before the end of May to identify and define projects and proponents.

“Supporting community projects and increasing renewable energy capacity in the northern region of our province are objectives identified in An Action Plan for Self-Sufficiency in Northern New Brunswick 2010-2013,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also the minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Initiative. “Community energy is part of our three-year plan to develop the North, and I am proud to support this initiative.”

The Department of Energy, Business New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Enterprise Network will provide guidance and support to Community Energy Policy proponents that come forward. The Department of Energy will have two economic development officers dedicated to helping those interested in the policy. One of the officers will be based in northern New Brunswick.

“I welcome this policy, which will contribute to environmental sustainability by fostering the development of green energy projects that use renewable energy sources including wind, solar and tidal power,” said Environment Minister Rick Miles. “This is a good example of how we can build on the commitments made in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan, and I encourage interested groups to participate.”

More information about the policy is online or may be obtained by contacting the Department of Energy, 506-658-3180.

10/02/09

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following are a backgrounder describing the policy and a schedule of Community Energy Policy workshops. MEDIA CONTACT: Bonnie Doyle Creber, communications, Department of Energy, 506-658-2410.

The Community Energy Policy

Renewable energy is corner stone of the Province of New Brunswick’s energy policy, providing economic development opportunities and creating sustainable communities.

To support the growth of renewable energy in New Brunswick, the provincial government has developed a Community Energy Policy. The goal is to foster the development of locally owned and operated energy projects. It encourages participation from communities and First Nations, providing them the opportunity to contribute significantly to renewable and clean forms of electricity generation.

Community Energy Policy projects are defined as projects under 15 MW that are 51 per cent or more owned by one of the following New Brunswick-based entities: First Nations, municipalities, co-operatives, associations and not-for-profit organizations. The first phase will allow up to 75 MW of community energy projects, of which 25 MW will be allocated to First Nations.

Community Energy Policy projects may be based on biomass resources, wind, solar, small hydro or tidal power. Proponents must demonstrate availability and access to the energy resources being considered and present a viable business case.

Successful proponents will sign a long-term power purchase agreement with the local utility, which will set the initial price of electricity at $0.10 /kWh. This feed-in-tariff will be frozen for the first five years and then escalate with the consumer price index in New Brunswick. Proponents will be responsible for all costs associated with construction and maintenance.

The Department of Energy, with support from Business New Brunswick, the Regional Development Corporation and the New Brunswick Enterprise Network, will provide guidance and support to potential proponents that come forward. The Department of Energy will have two economic development officers dedicated to helping those interested in the policy. One of them will be in northern New Brunswick, the other in the south. A strategic development officer has been assigned from the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat to work with First Nations.

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The Provincial Government today released a report outlining how the community, industry and government can support the development and growth of an oil and gas sector on the west coast.

The report, Infrastructure and Supply and Service Requirements and Opportunities for Oil and Gas Industry: Western Newfoundland, is the result of a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources and the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade. It contains nine broad recommendations to assist the region in supporting future potential development in the short to longer term.

“The study is an important information tool for government, industry and local businesses as exploration moves forward and opportunities increase,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. “This will assist in long-term planning and decision-making. Local companies will be able to identify potential types of opportunities and their role in industry development. By working together, we can more accurately assess the future needs of the region.”

As part of a 2003 Blueprint commitment, a consultant was contracted to identify oil and gas-related infrastructure needs and service and supply opportunities associated with development in the province’s western region. The study identifies ways to help ensure that the western region has the necessary capabilities to service potential onshore and offshore activity. It also recommends that the larger centres of Corner Brook and Stephenville work together to benefit the entire region rather than in isolation and in competition.

“The study provides us with several short and longer term recommendations that government will need to consider as we develop the industry in this region,” said Minister Dunderdale. “It also emphasizes the important need for collaboration and cooperation among all interest groups to ensure we maximize the economic benefits associated with future development.”

The report was released today at the monthly luncheon of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Business, on behalf of Minister Dunderdale.

The report emphasizes the need to ensure a regulatory environment that provides an attractive economic climate for industry and businesses, and it recommends continuing improvements to the region’s infrastructure capabilities with investments in transportation, health-care and educational facilities. The report also promotes the need to develop training programs that will enable residents to enter the workforce and meet the growing demand for employment.

“This study gives us a much greater understanding of the potential business opportunities related to petroleum development on the west coast,” said Minister Dunderdale. “This will encourage the participation of local businesses and residents interested in taking advantage of the commercial and employment opportunities associated with the development of this industry.”

“The study supports one of our main goals of educating businesses and other key stakeholders from Port aux Basques to St. Anthony about the oil and gas industry, our capabilities, the broad opportunities at different phases of development and the experiences of other oil and gas regions,” said Sharon McLennon, chairperson of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade’s Western Newfoundland Oil and Gas Steering Committee. “Our committee is very pleased that we could work with the Provincial Government to help guide the development of the report. We look forward to building on this partnership to promote the region’s oil and gas industry in the future.”

The Provincial Government continues to work on business attraction with oil companies and is making significant strategic investments in the region through Nalcor Energy, such as the Parsons Pond drilling program and geoscience collection and dissemination. Increased seismic information will enable the province to understand the geological makeup of the area and lead to more targeted drilling programs. The department recently released a series of high-resolution aeromagnetic maps of the region’s onshore area, and is investing $20 million on the purchase, reprocessing and acquisition of valuable seismic data in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore area.

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OTTAWA, January 20, 2010 - Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Mr. Gaétan Caron, chair and CEO of the National Energy Board, announced today the establishment of a three-member joint review panel for the environmental and regulatory review of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

Minister Prentice and the National Energy Board appointed Ms. Sheila A. Leggett as the Panel chair, and Mr. Hans Matthews and Mr. Kenneth M. Bateman as Panel members. Biographical information on the Panel chair and members is available in the accompanying backgrounder.

The joint review panel process will provide an opportunity for all hearing participants to make their views known on the project in an open and transparent forum. The public and Aboriginal groups are encouraged to bring their views on the Northern Gateway Project forward to the Joint Review Panel (the Panel).

A Joint Review Panel Agreement (the Agreement) for the environmental and regulatory review was signed by Minister Prentice and Mr. Caron and was released on December 4, 2009. The Agreement, which was issued for public comment for a 64-day period before being finalized, describes the Panel’s terms of reference as well as the process to be followed for conducting the joint panel review.

The Agreement, including the Terms of Reference, as well as additional information on the project are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca, under reference number 06-05-21799, and on the National Energy Board’s website at www.neb-one.gc.ca.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the Participant Funding Program which supports individuals and non-profit organizations and Aboriginal groups interested in participating in the review panel process. Next steps in the review process will include the announcement of the participant funding recipients and the filing of the project application by Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines with the National Energy Board. The Panel will provide additional opportunities for public input and input by Aboriginal groups on the List of Issues to be considered by the Panel. Additional information will be available when the Panel issues its Hearing Order.

About the Project

Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines proposes to construct and operate two pipelines, 1,170 km in length, between an inland terminal at Bruderheim, Alberta and a marine terminal near Kitimat, British Columbia. About 500 km of pipeline will be in Alberta and 670 km in British Columbia. One of the pipelines will carry crude oil west to Kitimat and the other line will carry condensate east to Bruderheim. The project also includes the construction and operation of an integrated marine infrastructure at tidewater to accommodate loading and unloading of oil and condensate tankers and marine transportation of oil and condensate.

About the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

About the National Energy Board

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

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January 20, 2010. January 20, 2010. Fredericton, NB and Québec City, QC .– Premiers Shawn Graham and Jean Charest announced today the conclusion of negotiations on an energy agreement between the provinces of New Brunswick and Québec. Fredericton, NB and Quebec City, QC .- First Shawn Graham and Jean Charest today announced the conclusion of negotiations on an energy agreement between the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. This concludes the discussions undertaken by the governments of Québec and New Brunswick in early 2009, which resulted in the signature of a memorandum of understanding on October 29, 2009. This concludes the discussions Undertaken by the governments of Quebec and New Brunswick in early 2009, Which search resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on October 29, 2009.

With this agreement, the two governments achieve their goals, while addressing the concerns expressed by New Brunswickers since the MOU was signed. With this agreement, the two governments Achieve their goals, while addressing the concerns expressed by New Brunswickers since the MOU was signed. Under the agreement’s framework, New Brunswick will benefit from advantageous electricity rates, a significant reduction in provincial debt and a secure, long-term source of electricity, all the while retaining responsibility for its energy strategy and implementation. Under the agreement’s framework, New Brunswick will benefit from advantageous electricity rates, a significant reduction in provincial debt and a secure, long-term source of electricity, all the while retaining responsibility for its energy strategy and implementation. For its part, Hydro-Québec will acquire quality generation assets as well as firm transmission rights, and will commit to a profitable long-term power supply contract. For its part, Hydro-Quebec will acquire quality generation assets as well as firm transmission rights, and will commit to a profitable long-term power supply contract.

The transaction The transaction

As part of a global transaction worth $3.2 billion, Hydro-Québec will acquire most of NB Power’s generation assets for $1.8 billion. As part of a global transaction worth $ 3.2 billion, Hydro-Quebec will acquire most of NB Power’s generation assets for $ 1.8 billion. This will include the 7 hydroelectric generating facilities, the 2 diesel peaking units located on the main grid and firm transmission rights associated with the acquired generation assets, including 670 MW of transmission rights with New England. This will include the 7 hydroelectric generating facilities, the 2 diesel peaking units located on the main grid and firm transmission rights associated with the acquired generation assets, including 670 MW of transmission rights with New England. Hydro-Québec will also acquire the Point Lepreau nuclear facility for $1.4 billion upon its successful refurbishment, on or about January 1, 2011. Hydro-Quebec will also acquire the Point Lepreau nuclear facility for $ 1.4 billion upon its successful refurbishment, on or about January 1, 2011. The transmission and distribution arms of NB Power and the deferral account associated with the Point Lepreau refurbishment will be retained by New Brunswick. The transmission and distribution arms of NB Power and the deferral account associated with the Point Lepreau refurbishment will be retained by New Brunswick. Approximately two-thirds of the utility’s employees will continue to work for NB Power and employees of Holdco will continue to offer services to the operating companies of NB Power. Approximately two-thirds of the utility’s employees will continue to work for NB Power and employees of Holdco will continue to offer services to the operating companies of NB Power.

Hydro-Québec will act as an electricity wholesaler to NB Power. Hydro-Quebec will act as an electricity wholesaler to NB Power. Under a long-term power contract, Hydro-Québec will provide NB Power with an annual supply of 14 TWh of electricity. Under a long-term power contract, Hydro-Quebec Will Provide NB Power with an annual supply of 14 TWh of electricity. For the first five years, that supply will be provided at a price of 7.35¢ per kWh. For the first five years, that supply will be provided at a price of 7.35 cents per kWh. As previously announced, after that period the price will change only according to New Brunswick’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). As previously announced, after that period the price will change only according to New Brunswick’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

New Brunswick will manage this heritage electricity by creating two pools: one of 4.5 TWh for industrial customers and one of 9.5 TWh for residential, commercial and wholesale customers. New Brunswick will manage this heritage electricity by creating two pools: one of 4.5 billion kWh for industrial customers and one of 9.5 TWh for residential, commercial and wholesale customers. The rates at which the electricity in each of these two pools will be sold is described in the accompanying summary of the agreement. The rates at Which the electricity in each of these two pools will be sold is described in the accompanying summary of the agreement.

NB Power will maintain the ownership and operation of the province’s transmission and distribution assets, as well as of the Grand Manan facility supplying electricity to the island of the same name. NB Power will Maintain the ownership and operation of the province’s transmission and distribution assets, as well as of the Grand Manan facility supplying electricity to the island of the same name. As well, the thermal generating facilities at Coleson Cove and Belledune will continue to be owned by NB Power and will supply electricity to Hydro-Québec under tolling agreements. As well, the thermal generating facilities at Coleson Cove and Belledune will continue to be owned by NB Power and will supply electricity to Hydro-Quebec under tolling agreements.

The transaction is expected to close on or about March 31, 2010 for the assets acquired, with the exception of the Point Lepreau facility, which will be transferred upon the successful completion of its refurbishment and the issuance of the necessary operating permits, expected to be on or about January 1, 2011. The transaction is expected to close on or about March 31, 2010 for the assets acquired, with the exception of the Point Lepreau facility, Which Will be transferred upon the successful completion of its refurbishment and the issuance of the necessary operating permits, expected to be on or about January 1, 2011.

“Our partnership with Québec will secure lower energy costs for our province, leave NB Power as a New Brunswick-owned entity, and reaffirm our province’s control over decisions affecting energy policy,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “Our partnership with Quebec will secure lower energy costs for our province, leave NB Power as a New Brunswick-owned entity, and Reaffirm our province’s control over decisions affecting energy policy,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “We are proud of a partnership that allows us to create jobs and a better economic future for New Brunswick, and to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases.” “We are proud of a partnership that Allows us to create jobs and a better economic future for New Brunswick, and to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases.”

“In a world where access to clean renewable energy sources is an issue, where energy needs are strong and continue to grow, Québec and New Brunswick are leading the way. The changes we are announcing today, along with firm transmission rights to New England, allow us to achieve the goals set out in the agreement reached with New Brunswick,” said Charest. “In a world where access to clean renewable energy sources is an issue, where energy needs are strong and continues to grow, Quebec and New Brunswick are leading the way. The changes we are announcing today, along with firm transmission rights to New England, allow us to Achieve the goals set out in the agreement reached with New Brunswick, “said Charest. “Hydro-Québec will acquire quality assets allowing it to maximize its export capacity, while New Brunswickers will benefit from a reliable source of energy with important economic and environmental benefits,” he concluded. “Hydro-Quebec will acquire quality assets Allowing it to maximize its export capacity, while New Brunswickers will benefit from a reliable source of energy with significant economic and environmental benefits,” he concluded.

- 30 – - 30 –

Summary of Agreement on Energy between the governments of Québec (QC) and New Brunswick (NB) (PDF, 2 pages, 328 KB) Summary of Agreement on Energy between the governments of Quebec (QC) and New Brunswick (NB) (PDF, 2 pages, 328 KB)

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