MEDIA RELEASE
March 22, 2017
FEDERAL BUDGET PROVIDES STRONG SUPPORT
TO PROVINCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
FREDERICTON – The Conservation Council of New Brunswick urges the province to take quick advantage of newly announced federal support for clean technology growth, climate change action, and protection of our natural heritage.
Federal Budget 2017 announced almost $3 billion to 2022 for investments in clean technology growth, including $1.6 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories for green infrastructure investments; $100 million for Smart Grid, storage, and clean electricity; upgrading buildings codes and building new net zero homes; and to create a disaster mitigation and adaption fund. There is also $405 million to 2022 for investments in national parks, the Trans-Canada Trail, Marine and Freshwater systems, and air quality. Climate change action receives support with $650 million to 2022 for the Low Carbon Economy Fund, coal phase-out, transportation efficiency, green buildings and adaptation and climate change resilience.
“The province now has an opportunity to quickly advance negotiations with the federal Government to secure the resources we need to advance our climate change, water protection, green infrastructure and social housing objectives,” says Lois Corbett, Executive Director of the Conservation Council.
Louise Comeau, Director of Climate Change and Energy Solutions added that the need to finalize negotiations with the federal Government on an integrated financial package is urgent. “The recent ice storm in the Acadian Peninsula reminds us just how serious and urgent climate change is. We can shrink the pollution changing the climate while creating jobs, but we need to act now.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Corey Robichaud, Communications Officer | 458-8747 | corey.robichaud@
Lois Corbett, 506 458 4787; Louise Comeau 238 0355
About us: Conservation Council of New Brunswick
Established in 1969, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick has remained the province’s leading public advocate for environmental protection. A member of the UN’s Global 500 Roll of Honour, we work to find practical solutions to help families and citizens, educators, governments and businesses protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, the precious marine ecosystem and the land, including the forest, that support us.