Climate Change on Agenda for Premiers

January 24, 2008 Climate change on agenda for Premiers

Edmonton... Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach will update provincial and territorial leaders on Alberta’s new climate change action plan and steps the province has already taken to be a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a Council of the Federation meeting in Vancouver on January 28.

The annual winter meeting is a working session for Premiers on a number of key issues, including climate change, interprovincial trade and the economy, in advance of their July 2008 meeting in Québec City.

“Last spring, our province established Canada’s first legislated greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for large industrial emitters. Now, with our new climate action plan, Alberta is again moving forward to green our growth,” said Stelmach. “By fostering innovation, Alberta will be a leader in developing new technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, to meet environmental challenges.” Guy Boutilier, Minister of International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations will accompany Stelmach to the Vancouver meeting. Environment Minister Rob Renner will represent Alberta at a climate change adaptation forum on January 29 in Vancouver following the Council of the Federation meeting. The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government. Building strong relationships with other provinces and territories is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Tom Olsen Office of the Premier Communications 780 422-4905