Government of Canada supports climate action by the Government of Yukon

WHITEHORSE, March 4, 2020 /CNW/ - A report from leading Canadian scientists shows that Canada's North is warming three times as fast as the global average. That's why the Government of Canada is working with the Government of Yukon to reduce pollution, make life more affordable, and support a strong and sustainable economy in the North.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced up to $2.3 million to support a climate action initiative by the Government of Yukon. He was joined by the Member of Parliament for Yukon, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, as well as Yukon's Minister of Highways and Public Works and Minister of the Public Service Commission, the Honourable Richard Mostyn.

This investment will go toward connecting an existing biomass heating system currently used at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre's to two additional public buildings: the Young Offenders Facility and Takhini Haven. This clean heating system will reduce emissions by 82 percent. That's equivalent to removing approximately 3,460 cars from the road for one year. This project will be the largest biomass project in Whitehorse and one of the largest in Yukon.

The funding comes from the Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund, an important part of Canada's climate plan. The Fund invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs in a clean economy.

Canada's climate plan is on track to deliver the largest emissions reduction in the country's history. But these initiatives are just the beginning. The Government will continue to bring forward new and enhanced climate action measures to exceed our 2030 target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Quotes

"We are proud to invest in the Government of Yukon's Whitehorse biomass district heating system. This project will reduce emissions, make the air cleaner to breathe, and create good jobs for Northerners. This project will also serve as an important case study that can encourage more biomass projects in the future."
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Biomass is a sustainable fuel source. Our government is committed to greening our energy system and economy, and this investment is part of our concerted effort to address the impacts of climate change."
– The Honourable Richard Mostyn, Yukon's Minister of Highways and Public Works and Minister of the Public Service Commission

"This investment from the Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important step toward reducing the Yukon's reliance on fossil fuels. In partnership with the Government of Yukon, we are working to find creative northern solutions to climate change."
– The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon

Quick facts

• The Government of Yukon's district heating system will reduce the territory's reliance on traditional fossil fuels and help Yukon reach its goal of increasing renewable energy supply.
• The Challenge stream of the Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important part of Canada's climate action plan, and it's helping put Canada on a path to meet and beat our Paris Agreement target for 2030.
• Canada's climate plan was developed with the provinces and territories and in consultation with Indigenous Peoples to meet our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy, and build resilience to a changing climate.

Associated links

• Low Carbon Economy Challenge
• Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Moira Kelly, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-271-6218, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]