OTTAWA, Nov. 20, 2008 -- Canada NewsWire
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) today welcomed the federal
government's commitment to clean energy in its 2008 Speech from the Throne.
The federal government outlined its commitment to draw 90 per cent of
electricity from renewable resources by the year 2020, and in support of
this ambitious goal the "Government will continue to provide support for
biofuels, wind and other energy alternatives."
"This is welcome news, especially given the economic climate," said Robert
Hornung, CanWEA President. "We believe wind energy can and must play a
significant role in Canada's clean energy future while helping to create new
investment and jobs. Our industry goal of meeting 20 per cent of the
country's electricity needs with wind energy by the year 2025 will generate
$79 billion (CDN) in new investments and create more than 52,000 new jobs."
Wind Vision 2025 - Powering Canada's Future, argues that Canada has the
potential to make wind energy the country's next great economic opportunity,
while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing other
environmental concerns. A recent national poll undertaken by The Strategic
Council, in conjunction with CanWEA, found that Canadians also
overwhelmingly support further wind energy development. The poll found that
87% of Canadians support the 20 per cent by 2025 wind-energy vision, and the
majority of respondents - a combined 62 per cent - chose wind energy as
their first and second choice for electricity source.
"We have the potential, the ability, and the support of Canadians," said
Hornung. "To make this a reality we need the federal government to play a
strong leadership role. We look forward to working with the government to
define and implement the actions it will take to support wind energy
development in the future."
The Canadian Wind Energy association (CanWEA) is a non-profit trade
association representing more than 400 members in the wind energy industry.
CanWEA promotes the responsible development and application of all aspects
of wind energy in Canada, including the creation of a suitable policy
environment.
The document Wind Vision 2025 - Powering Canada's Future is available at
www.canwea.ca.
SOURCE: CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
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