First Formal Meeting for Cross-Country Green Power Corridor

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Press Release

Multi-billion dollar green grid could enable vast new supplies of clean energy to come on line

OTTAWA, April 19, 2007 - Provincial ministers, Aboriginal leaders, environmental organizations and electricity infrastructure and financing executives met in Ottawa today at the Government Conference Centre (located at the old national railway headquarters) to present initial framework principles for a cross-Canada Green Power Corridor (transmission grid).

The following statement was issued:

“We agree that the supply of Canada's clean energy future lies beyond our current grid structure, and are committed to realizing the potential of a Green Power Corridor that battles climate change by enabling vast new supplies of clean, secure energy to come on line, enhances economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and other local communities, and helps to protect ecological integrity by establishing valid conservation first principles.”

Quotes from Ministers

The Hon. Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy, Chair of Cabinet, Ontario

“The green power corridor is the railway of the 21st century. Building an inter-provincial green power corridor is as important to Canada today as was the building of the railway in the 19th century by the founders of our country.”

The Hon. Jim Rondeau, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines, Manitoba

“We are proud to work with our federal and provincial partners that share Manitoba's vision to be a leader in clean energy initiatives such as building our hydroelectric resources, establishing wind generated power sources and developing a framework for a national transmission grid.”

The Hon. Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador fully supports the concept of an east-west grid given the abundance of clean energy resources we have to offer the rest of the country. We are pleased to participate in this discussion and to bring our province's perspective to the table. I would hope that after this discussion, we can all stand together in calling for a national green power corridor.”

Based on stakeholder input from this meeting and broader consultations, Corporate Knights will draft a report to be released in two months time. The report will provide the basis for a follow-up meeting on November 29th, 2007.

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