Province Signs Climate Change Agreement with Ottawa

Nova Scotia now has an agreement-in-principle with the government of Canada to work together to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants that contribute to climate change.

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau and federal Minister of Environment Jim Prentice signed the agreement Monday, Jan. 25.

Nova Scotia regulates greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector and is committed in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act to reducing these emissions to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

"Nova Scotia is first in the country to impose absolute emissions caps in the electricity sector," said Mr. Belliveau. "We look forward to working with Minister Prentice and his federal colleagues as part of Canada's response to climate change."

"Effectively addressing climate change requires action by all governments in Canada," said Mr. Prentice. "We are pleased to co-operate with the province of Nova Scotia to coordinate our efforts to ensure a national, coherent climate change approach for all Canadians."

The province is working to ensure 25 per cent of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2015. The federal-provincial agreement focuses on the importance of renewable and clean energy sources in meeting common objectives.

The agreement-in-principle includes three important shared points:

• Action by Nova Scotia on climate change and air pollutants are recognized by the federal government, and regulatory processes will be co-ordinated
• There is a commitment to work together on climate change and that energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy are key interests of both governments
• Both governments will share information to help achieve climate change commitments.

For more information on Nova Scotia's action on climate change visit www.climatechange.gov.ns.ca .