Parliamentary Secretary Kelly Block Highlights Importance of Hydropower

OTTAWA, May 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Parliamentary Secretary Kelly Block, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today addressed the Canadian Hydropower Association Forum 2015, where she emphasized the importance of the hydropower industry to Canada's economic prosperity and a cleaner environment.

During her speech, PS Block highlighted the Harper Government's support for hydropower as a leading, reliable source of electricity in Canada, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs, growth and prosperity for all Canadians. With the support of our government's $6.3-billion federal loan guarantee, the Lower Churchill projects in Labrador are progressing through construction, with 2,770 Canadians working there in February 2015.

PS Block also underscored the Government's commitment to responsible resource development, which is creating the necessary economic and regulatory conditions to expand resource sectors, including hydropower. The industry is contributing to the Government's priorities of energy security, economic growth and environmental performance.

PS Block also encouraged members of the industry to capitalize on the increasing global potential of this sector to create jobs and export Canada's know-how, expertise, products and technologies to other countries.

Quick Facts

• Canada has one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world and is the world's third-largest producer of hydroelectricity.
• More than three-quarters (79 percent) of our electricity supply is generated by non-emitting sources — the highest rate in the G7. Hydropower provides almost 63 percent, while the remainder comprises nuclear energy (13.3 percent) and non-hydro renewable energies (~3.4 percent).
• Canada exports more than $2-billion worth of electricity to the U.S. each year through 34 major transmission lines that criss-cross the Canada–U.S. border.
• Canada has strengthened its position as a world leader in clean electricity generation by becoming the first major coal user to ban construction of traditional coal-fired electricity generation units.
• Canada is enhancing collaboration with international partners to promote energy security and economic growth, including the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation signed with the U.S. last September.

Quotes

"Canadian hydropower is the largest source of clean and renewable power in North America, contributing almost 63 percent of Canada's electricity production, while creating jobs and economic growth. Our government recognizes the valuable contributions the hydropower industry continues to make to the lives and livelihoods of Canadians."

Kelly Block
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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