Premier appoints task force to ensure landowners heard

Edmonton… Premier Alison Redford has created a task force that will be asking Albertans for their concerns regarding property rights.

“We have heard concerns from landowners that their property rights need to be better respected,” said Redford. “We need to move towards a more common-sense approach when it comes to property rights.”

The task force will be chaired by Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment and Water, with Evan Berger, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the vice-chair.

Other members include Verlyn Olson, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure; Cal Dallas, Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations; Frank Oberle, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development; Raymond Prins, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka; and Arno Doerksen, MLA for Strathmore Brooks.

“We want to listen to Albertans and have a discussion about what property rights mean to them and what needs to be improved,” said McQueen.

In December, meetings will take place with stakeholders. In January, open houses will occur in several communities. To complement face-to-face efforts, a website will allow for written input from Albertans. Further details on how Albertans can participate will be released in the coming weeks.

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Canada Working With the United States to Address Emissions from Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2017 and Beyond

OTTAWA, Ont. – November 16, 2011 — Today, the Honorable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister, released a consultation document on the development of proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2017 and beyond. These proposed regulations are an extension of the close work Canada has already completed in alignment with the U.S. government to establish common North American standards for regulating GHGs from new passenger cars and light trucks for the 2011-16 model years.

“Given that our economies are deeply integrated, alignment with the United States is a key part of Canada’s overall approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Minister Kent. “This effort will also lead to greater fuel economy for consumers, innovation in the auto sector and increased economic competitiveness for Canada.”

This consultation document will seek early input from stakeholders on the main elements of the proposed regulations. These comments will be taken into account during the development of the proposed regulations, which are expected to be available for a formal public comment period in 2012. The consultation document has been posted on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Registry for a 30-day public comment period.

On Oct. 1, 2010 Canada released the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, which are aligned with the United States and establish progressively tighter emissions standards for cars and light trucks over the 2011-16 model years.

Canada also issued a notice of intent to continue working closely with the United States towards the development of more stringent standards for new cars and light trucks for model years 2017 and beyond.

Strong action in the transportation sector is a key component in the Government’s plan to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. The transportation sector accounts for about 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, and so reducing emissions in this sector will do a lot to help us achieve our total emissions reduction goal.

In addition to passenger car and light truck regulations, the Government is also developing regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty trucks and has mandated a requirement for an average of five percent renewable content in gasoline, and two percent content for diesel and heating oil.

More information on the consultation document is available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=En&n=3C125336-1.

For more information, please contact:

Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

Consultation Document for Discussion of the Main Elements of the Proposed Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to Further Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New On-Road Light-Duty Vehicles

Beginning date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Closing date: Friday, December 16, 2011
Contact: GHGRegDev_Vehicles@ec.gc.ca

Do you use B.C.’s resource roads for work, recreation, or because you live in or visit rural communities off the public road system? If so, help us serve you better by contributing to the Natural Resource Road Act Project to improve resource road laws and regulation for the benefit of all users.

Comments are invited on a discussion paper that will help build the foundation for the Natural Resource Road Act. The principles and proposed policy framework presented in this discussion paper are the starting point for a single, streamlined law that applies to all resource roads in B.C.

You are invited to voice your concerns and suggest solutions that will work for everyone. Comments will be accepted until December 15, 2011.

Notice with respect to reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) for 2011

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Notice with respect to reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) for 2011

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to subsection 46(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act), that, with respect to emissions of GHGs identified in Schedule 1 to this notice and for the purpose of conducting research, creating an inventory of data, formulating objectives and codes of practice, issuing guidelines or assessing or reporting on the state of the environment, any person who operates a facility described in Schedule 3 to this notice during the 2011 calendar year, and who possesses or who may reasonably be expected to have access to information described in Schedule 4 to this notice, shall provide the Minister of the Environment with this information no later than June 1, 2012.

Information on GHG emissions requested under this notice shall be submitted to

Minister of the Environment
Pollutant Inventories and Reporting Division
Environment Canada
Fontaine Building, 8th Floor
200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3

Enquiries concerning this notice shall be addressed to

Pollutant Inventories and Reporting Division
Environment Canada
Fontaine Building, 8th Floor
200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Telephone: 819-994-0684
Fax: 819-953-2347
Email: ges-ghg@ec.gc.ca

This notice applies to the calendar year 2011. Pursuant to subsection 46(8) of the Act, persons subject to this notice shall keep copies of the required information, together with any calculations, measurements and other data on which the information is based, at the facility to which the calculations, measurements and other data relate, or at the facility’s parent company, located in Canada, for a period of three years from the date the information is required to be submitted. Where the person chooses to keep the information required under the notice, together with any calculations, measurements and other data, at the facility’s parent company in Canada, that person shall inform the Minister of the civic address of that parent company.

If a person who operates a facility, with respect to which information was submitted in response to the Notice with respect to reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) for 2010, determines that the facility does not meet the criteria for reporting set out in this notice, the person shall notify the Minister of the Environment that the facility does not meet these criteria no later than June 1, 2012.

The Minister of the Environment intends to publish greenhouse gas emission totals by gas by facility. Pursuant to section 51 of the Act, any person subject to this notice who provides information in response to this notice may submit, with their information, a written request that it be treated as confidential based on the reasons set out in section 52 of the Act. The person requesting confidential treatment of the information shall indicate which of the reasons in section 52 of the Act applies to their request. Nevertheless, the Minister may disclose, in accordance with subsection 53(3) of the Act, information submitted in response to this notice. Every person to whom a notice is directed shall comply with the notice. A person who fails to comply with the Act is subject to the offence provision.

DAVID MORIN
Acting Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

OTTAWA, Ont. — August 9, 2011 — Today, the Honorable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister, released a consultation paper on the development of proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles. Canada and the United States are taking a common North American approach and Canada intends to implement regulations with the 2014 model year in alignment with the United States.

“We are moving forward with our sector by sector approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in coordination with the United States,” said Minister Kent. “Building on our successful collaboration with the United States on the development of common North American standards for light-duty vehicles, we are also working together to do the same for heavy-duty vehicles.”

This consultation paper is intended to provide another opportunity for interested parties to submit early comments prior to publishing proposed regulations in Canada Gazette Part I. Proposed regulations are targeted for publication in Canada Gazette Part I early in 2012 for a 60-day comment period.

The proposed regulations would seek to reduce emissions and improve the fuel efficiency of the whole range of new on-road heavy-duty vehicles from full-size pick-up trucks to tractor-trailers, and include a wide variety of vocational vehicles such as freight, delivery, service, cement, garbage and dump trucks, as well as buses. The proposed regulations would also seek to promote the implementation of advanced technology vehicles such as hybrid and electric vehicles.

Reducing emissions in the transportation sector is a key component in the Government’s plan to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. In addition to the proposed heavy-duty regulations, the Government has also finalized regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles and mandated a requirement for an average of five percent renewable content in gasoline, and two percent content for diesel and heating oil.

Related Link:

Consultation Document for Discussion of the Main Elements of the Proposed Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Engines

For more information, please contact:

Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

The statutory auto insurance policy has not been reviewed for many years. The Government of Nova Scotia has launched an independent review of automobile insurance in the province to make sure it is up to date and meets the needs of today’s families.

The purpose of this review is to ensure Nova Scotians have access to appropriate coverage and premiums that are fair, stable and affordable.

This initiative goes beyond the previous review of the minor-injury cap and looks at the entire automobile insurance system in the province. The scope and subject-matter of the review will be decided based on research, consultation and feedback from stakeholders, the public and government.

Ron L’Esperance, a former provincial deputy minister has been chosen to lead the review with the assistance of an advisory committee.

This consultation website provides a forum for public input on auto insurance and feedback can be submitted until February 25, 2011.

As the review progresses there will be other opportunities for stakeholders and insurance consumers to comment on plans being considered by government.

This consultation website will remain active throughout the review process, so please watch for updated information.

This consultation website is currently being translated and will soon be available in French.

Ce site de consultation est en cours de traduction et sera bientôt disponible en français

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Notice of intent to develop more stringent regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new passenger automobiles and light trucks of the 2017 and later model years

Background

The Government of Canada is committed to reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020. This target is aligned with the U.S. target as a means of maximizing progress on reducing GHG emissions while maintaining economic competitiveness and prosperity. Passenger cars and light trucks account for 12% of total GHG emissions or 46% of the transportation emissions.

Environment Canada has finalized the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations under CEPA 1999. These Regulations are the first regulated national GHG emission standards to be implemented in Canada. Pursuant to these Regulations, beginning with the 2011 model year, manufacturers and importers of new vehicles are required to meet separate fleet average GHG emission standards for each of their fleets of passenger automobiles and light trucks. The fleet average GHG emission standards become progressively more stringent over the 2011 to 2016 model year period. These Regulations require compliance with fleet average GHG emission standards for the 2017 and later model years, based on the same level of stringency as the 2016 model year.

The existing Regulations will achieve significant and sustained greenhouse gas reductions and fuel saving benefits. Over the lifetime operation of all 2011 to 2016 model year vehicles sold in Canada, the Regulations are estimated to result in a cumulative reduction of 92 megatonnes (Mt) of CO₂e and fuel savings of approximately 28 billion litres. It is projected that the Regulations will result in cumulative net benefits of $9.2 billion.

The existing Regulations are aligned with U.S. national standards. Environment Canada has worked closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish common standards for regulating GHGs from new vehicles — an approach that will benefit the environment, industry and consumers. These new regulations provide certainty to the industry and will require significant technological improvements to vehicles to reduce GHG emissions.

Continuing progressive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from on-road light-duty vehicles is an important element of the Government of Canada’s plan of an integrated, nationally consistent approach to reduce emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases to protect the health and environment of Canadians.

Development of more stringent GHG emission regulations under CEPA 1999

The Government of Canada is proceeding with the development of amendments to the existing regulations under CEPA 1999 to further limit GHG emissions from new passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks of the 2017 and later model years, in collaboration with the United States. These regulations will prescribe progressive, annual standards for model years 2017 and beyond that build on the GHG emission standards set out under the existing Regulations. In developing these regulations, the Government of Canada will take into account, among other things, relevant technological, environmental and economic factors such as the projected composition of the future Canadian new vehicle fleet; the cost, emission reduction potential and availability of conventional and emerging emission-reduction technologies; the need for, and impact of, compliance flexibilities to minimize the compliance burden on the Canadian automotive industry; and the need for, and impact of, regulatory mechanisms to continue encouraging the development and deployment of new and emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. The Government recognizes the importance of a strong and competitive Canadian automotive industry. By developing tighter emission standards beyond the 2016 model year, the Government will contribute to its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction commitment while providing the auto industry with the long-term regulatory certainty it needs to develop its products in a cost-effective manner.

In the United States, pursuant to a Presidential Memorandum signed on May 21, 2010, the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are beginning the development of joint fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission regulations for model years 2017 and beyond. The feasibility of a range of potential stringencies for annual standards for model years 2017 to 2025 will be assessed in consultation with the state of California, with the goal being that compliance with the national program will serve as compliance with the state’s standards during that same period.

Environment Canada is committed to continue working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency towards the development of harmonized continental standards for 2017 and later model year passenger automobiles and light trucks to reduce GHGs, as it did on the development of the existing Regulations. To this end, Environment Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are developing a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to facilitate the conduct of various technical analyses in support of the development of future standards. Given our deeply integrated automotive industry, there are significant environmental and economic benefits to a harmonized approach for both countries.

Next steps

The Minister of the Environment will initiate a process to develop amendments to regulations under CEPA 1999 to further limit GHG emissions from passenger automobiles and light trucks for the 2017 and later model years. This process will include consultations with representatives of provincial and territorial governments, industry, non-governmental organizations, the public and other stakeholders. Input received during these consultations will be considered during the development of the regulations.

Business
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
October 13, 2010

New Long-Term Strategy Aims for Greater Air Access in Province

A new five-year Provincial Government strategy aims to enhance Newfoundland and Labrador’s air transportation access by working collaboratively with airports and other partners in supporting their efforts to attract new flights and spur demand.

The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Business, today released Taking Flight: An Air Access Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, which will guide the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s direction, in concert with key industry and community partners, to enhancing air service capacity in the province.

“Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be a hub of economic activity and a magnet for investment and people, and with growth comes greater demand for transportation access,” said Minister Wiseman. ”

Our government committed to exploring opportunities that would encourage increased air capacity with more direct and frequent flights in the province. Through this Air Access Strategy, we are demonstrating a long-term commitment to enhancing air access, with a vision of providing more people with more choice for air travel to, from and within Newfoundland and Labrador.”A total of $5 million is committed over the first three years of the strategy, which contains five strategic goals for improving air access. The goals are:

1.  Proactively promoting Newfoundland and Labrador to the airline industry;
2.  Branding Newfoundland and Labrador for business and tourism;
3.  Fostering a culture of partnership and collaboration;
4.  Supporting a more attractive business environment for airlines; and,
5.  Dedicating resources to implement Taking Flight.

Related to these goals are five objectives and 15 action items which are summarized in the Backgrounder below.

Taking Flight promotes more dialogue and collaboration among the province’s airports, the business community and other stakeholders towards achieving shared objectives and ultimately increasing demand. To help get the message out that airports in Newfoundland and Labrador are open for business, the Provincial Government will support and partner with regional airport authorities to actively promote their capabilities and the province directly to airlines. The strategy also puts emphasis on continuing to brand and market Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination of choice for business and tourism.

“Providing sufficient, quality air access to the province is essential to the future growth of tourism, as noted in Uncommon Potential – A Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “Travellers want the ability to book the seat of their choice, on the dates of their choice, and at prices that are reasonable. Increased, direct access to our domestic markets – and emerging markets in the United States, UK and the rest of Europe – is also critical to ensuring the province remains competitive in the global tourism marketplace.”

A key component of Taking Flight is the establishment of a new Air Access Development Program. Under the program, more than $4 million will be available to airlines and the province’s airports to support their business development and route promotion activities. A private industry advisory committee consisting of representatives of regional airports, business associations and other groups will be established to provide ongoing input into implementation of the strategy as part of a focused, coordinated approach to air access development.

To help implement and oversee Taking Flight, a Director of Air Access will be hired. The person in this newly created role will also be responsible for industry research and support, administering the Air Access Development Program, providing advice to the Provincial Government on air access related issues and regularly reporting on the progress of the strategy.

Taking Flight was developed following the release of an air transportation study conducted for the Provincial Government by Atlantis Aviation Consulting, as well as consultation with industry and other stakeholder groups. Many of the strategy initiatives are directly in line with recommendations from those stakeholders and the consultant’s report.

As highlighted in

Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future, the air access strategy supports the Williams Government’s continuing commitment to creating conditions that foster growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy.

“Air access affects not only our economic competitiveness but also our quality of life,” said Minister Wiseman. “This strategy represents another in a growing list of investments by our government that is targeted for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, today and into the future.”

Taking Flight: An Air Access Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador can be found at www.business.gov.nl.ca

- 30 -

Media contacts:

BACKGROUNDER

Taking Flight contains five strategic goals for improving air access in Newfoundland and Labrador: proactively promoting Newfoundland and Labrador to the airline industry; branding Newfoundland and Labrador for business and tourism; fostering a culture of partnership and collaboration; supporting a more attractive business environment for airlines; and, dedicating resources to implement the strategy.

Based on these goals, the strategy has a number of stated objectives and sets out 15 associated action items for the Provincial Government and its partners to undertake.

OBJECTIVE: To ‘get the message out’ that Newfoundland and Labrador airports are open for business
1. Partnering with airport authorities to directly promote regional and provincial capabilities and strategic advantages to airlines.
2. Partnering with airport authorities to identify and pursue route opportunities with airlines wishing to benefit from air liberalization and gateway trends.
3. Supporting the efforts of airport authorities in demonstrating a viable business case for presentation to potential airline partners.

OBJECTIVE: To support efforts to increase demand for air travel to Newfoundland and Labrador
4. Continuing to build a tourism brand for Newfoundland and Labrador in national and international markets.
5. Marketing Newfoundland and Labrador nationally and internationally as a location for new business development.
6. Marketing Newfoundland and Labrador as a strategic corridor to the North.

OBJECTIVE: To strengthen the province’s overall approach to air route development by forming strategic partnerships and alliances
7. Increasing dialogue with airport authorities, the business community, the aviation industry, and government.
8. Partnering with stakeholders to generate solid business case scenarios for enhanced air access and viable new routes to Newfoundland and Labrador.

9. Partnering with stakeholders to demonstrate universal support for airlines establishing new routes to Newfoundland and Labrador.
10. Coordinating with desired destination cities and airports to jointly promote route development between locations to potential airline partners.

OBJECTIVE: To strengthen programs and services to support airline industry growth
11. Proactively working with local business to support expansion.
12. Lobbying the Government of Canada to reduce federal costs associated with the delivery of airport services.
13. Launching an Air Access Development Program to encourage new routes.

OBJECTIVE: To support a focused and coordinated approach to air service development within Newfoundland and Labrador
14. Dedicating human resources to oversee strategy implementation.
15. Establishing a private industry advisory committee.

OTTAWA, Ont. -- September 1, 2010 – The Government of Canada today announced that regulations requiring an average renewable fuel content of five per cent in gasoline have been finalized and will come into effect starting December 15, 2010.

“Today we are fulfilling the Government’s commitment to require five percent renewable fuel content in gasoline,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment. “Regulating renewable fuel content in gasoline is just one of several steps the Government is taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, which account for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Support for renewable fuels is support for farmers, rural communities and our economy,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This is a vital step in generating new market opportunities for our farmers and maximizing Canada’s high quality resources to produce food and fuel for the world.”

“These regulations will help Canada reach our goal of becoming a clean energy leader,” said Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our Government supports biofuels and other alternative fuels as part of our commitment to reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent, from 2005 levels, by 2020.”

These regulations are one pillar of the Government’s broader Renewable Fuels Strategy. Canada will implement a requirement for two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil, subject to successful demonstration of technical feasibility under the range of Canadian conditions, which would be put in place by an amendment to the Renewable Fuels Regulations.

When fully implemented, the Strategy’s two regulatory requirements combined with provincial regulations will ensure a total volume of renewable fuel that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to four megatonnes in 2012–about the equivalent of taking one million vehicles off the road.

These regulations are a key initiative in support of the Government of Canada’s commitment to reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. In addition, the Government of Canada is working with the U.S. towards common North American standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, and has recently published, draft regulations for vehicle tailpipe emissions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act that are aligned with those of the U.S. Building on that successful collaboration, we will continue to work together to do the same for heavy-duty vehicles.

Related documents:

Renewable Fuels Strategy is reducing greenhouse gases and creating jobs
[Backgrounder - 2010-09-01]

Final Renewable Fuel Regulations

For more information, please contact:

Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
1-888-908-8008

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

July 16, 2010

Distracted driving consultation now underway

WHITEHORSE – Yukon citizens are asked to participate in the 2010 distracted driving
consultation by filling out a survey and providing comments.
“This initiative is the result of a motion that received unanimous consent of the Yukon
Legislative Assembly to consult with Yukoners on the use of cell phones and other
electronic handheld devices while driving or operating a motor vehicle,” Highways and
Public Works Minister Archie Lang said.

Copies of the survey will be arriving in Yukon mail boxes this week. Survey results will
help determine what changes to the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) will be brought forward.

The MVA is a law that addresses public safety by ensuring operators and their vehicles
conform to legal requirements while travelling in Yukon.

For more information on the consultation or for additional copies of the survey visit
www.hpw.gov.yk.ca, call 667-3146 or 1-800-661-0408, extension 3146.

The distracted driving consultation runs from July 16 to August 13.

Contact:

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca
Jennifer Magnuson
Communications, Highways & Public Works
867-667-3146
jennifer.magnuson@gov.yk.ca