RELEASE

For Release: Immediate
October 24, 2006

Natural Resources Committee Passes Liberal Motions to Re-instate Climate Change Programs

Ottawa - Over the objection of its Conservative members, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources today called on the government to re-instate the EnerGuide for Homes retrofit Program, and the Wind Power Production Incentive Program.

The committee was acting on two motions tabled today by Roy Cullen, Official Opposition Critic for Natural Resources, and Liberal Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North.

"These two motions call on the Minister to do the right thing, and re-instate immediately these key programs. Despite the Conservatives' best efforts to stymie these motions at committee, using procedural tactics and filibusters, the will of the committee prevailed," said Mr. Cullen. "The areas of home efficiency, and wind power are essential in the fight against climate change."

Wind power is an important component of Canada's response to the challenges of energy conservation and global warming. The wind power industry is responsible for thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country and the previous government's Wind Power Production Incentive program (WPPI) is essential to attracting investment and ensuring the viability of this industry. Likewise, the Liberal government's EnerGuide program had supported the retrofitting of more than 100,000 homes for more efficient use of energy, before the Conservatives cancelled it.

"I think it says something that the Government members of the Committee voted against these programs. Over and above the well understood environmental benefits of these programs, many Canadian jobs are also at stake," Mr. Cullen said.

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