Ministers Encouraged by Regional Forum

Energy Minister Bill Dooks and Environment Minister Mark Parent are encouraged by regional-level co-operation around climate change and issues such as energy efficiency and reductions in air emissions.

The ministers were meeting with regional counterparts today, Feb. 12, in Quebec City to discuss climate-change solutions.

Mr. Dooks and Mr. Parent said regional co-operation will build a stronger foundation in the fight against climate change and for a healthier environment.

They were attending a ministerial-level forum on regional energy and environmental solutions, a committee of the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

"This meeting is an excellent opportunity to discuss the very important issue of climate change and regional co-operation" said Mr. Dooks. "We need to continue to look at ways that we can reduce greenhouse gases and increase our energy efficiency, solutions that we have already begun with Conserve Nova Scotia."

"Climate change is a global issue to which Nova Scotia and other eastern jurisdictions are particularly vulnerable," said Mr. Parent. "Although individual actions are important, regional co-operation is an opportunity to ensure those efforts have the greatest possible impact."

Discussions during the meeting are focusing on electricity markets, promoting renewable energy, maximizing regional energy efficiency opportunities, and reducing air emissions from transportation.

The two-day meeting wraps up later today.