Premier Urges Action on National Energy Issues

Premier Rodney MacDonald is urging his colleagues from across Canada to join him in addressing rising energy prices when the Council of the Federation meets in Quebec City next week.

Premier MacDonald said the number one issue facing Canadians today is the high cost of gasoline, diesel and home-heating fuel.

"We are seeing the effects that gas prices are having on our economy, be it in travel, tourism or food prices," the premier said. "This winter, home-heating costs threaten to cause many problems for ordinary people here in Nova Scotia, and across Canada."

Premier MacDonald said the problem isn't unique to one province, and is urging the federal government to work with the provinces to ease the burden.

The premier believes energy efficiency and conservation are key priorities for discussion. He said energy efficiency will help reduce costs for individuals, and make a real difference in protecting the environment.

"Offering rebates is only part of the solution," said Premier MacDonald. "We need to help people use less gas or home-heating fuel. We need programs that can help people, without putting additional strain on household budgets."

The premier said the province created Conserve Nova Scotia in 2006 to educate Nova Scotians about energy efficiency and conservation. While the agency offers many programs, there is still more work to be done.

"We have a number of programs in Nova Scotia that are helping people, and I know that other provinces have programs of their own. I'd like to use some time next week to learn from each other and see what new approaches we can come up with by working together," Premier MacDonald said.

Premier MacDonald said he will use the time on next week's agenda for energy and conservation to raise these important topics.