says new report by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

Ottawa, November 17, 2011 – A new report released today by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRT) says that if Canada is to ensure the sustainability of its water supply – which is crucial to the prosperity of its natural resource sector industries – governments at all levels will need to engage in collaborative models of governance, collaborate in the development and publication of a regularly updated national Water Outlook, the first to be published within two years, and further explore the use of water pricing for its largest user: the natural resource sectors. 

The report concludes that water has real economic value and outlines the steps Canada should take to value, better manage, and sustain water use by Canada’s natural resource sectors. While the report highlights that water use from the natural resource sectors totals 86% of Canada’s overall water use, it also predicts an increase in water intake due of economic growth forecasted in this sector of the Canadian economy.

Charting a Course: Sustainable Water Use by Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors is NRT’s second report concerning sustainable water use by Canada’s natural resource sectors.  The first NRT report, Changing Currents, released in June 2010, identified issues that policy makers need to pay attention to, while this report demonstrates the long-term importance of getting water sustainability on the agenda of industries, governments and communities.

In this report, the NRT: 

• Sets out key principles to govern sustainable water use by the natural resources sectors:

• Water has value in economic, environmental and social terms; 
• Water must be conserved and used efficiently;
• Water governance and management should be both adaptive and collaborative.

• Economic instruments such as pricing and tradable water permits; 
• Well-designed and properly implemented voluntary initiatives by industry;
• Better data and information than is currently available.

In Charting a Course, NRT also recommends several potential avenues of solutions in the areas of water demand forecasts, new policy instruments, information and data improvements and more effective collaborative governance approaches. The NRT calls for:  

• A much better understanding of potential future water demands by the sectors;
• Water policies that are adaptive and responsive to changing conditions;
• Governments to affirm the legitimacy of collaborative water governance approaches;
• The development of common measurement techniques for collection of water-quantity data.

“While a shortage of water is not an imminent issue facing Canada, the overall demand by the natural resource sectors is increasing, said NRT Vice-Chair Mark Parent.  “This represents an opportunity for Canada to get ahead of a future problem and proactively take steps towards sustainable water governance and management”. 

In order to provide further guidance to governments, the NRT will be convening experts from across the country at an event to be held on January 12, in Ottawa, to develop a national action plan on how best to implement the recommendations contained in the report.

According to David McLaughlin, President and CEO of the NRT, “Water’s value – both environmentally and economically – must be brought to the forefront of governments’ agendas across the country not only to ensure the sustainable development of our natural resources, but also to ensure that our natural ecosystems are protected for future generations.”

About the Round Table

Through the development of innovative policy research and considered advice, the NRT’s mission is to help Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.  The NRT is the only national organization with a direct mandate from Parliament to engage Canadians in the generation and promotion of sustainable development advice.

A media backgrounder on Charting a Course: Sustainable Water Use by Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors can be found at www.nrtee-trnee.ca/media-backgrounder-november-17-2011 and the report is available on the Round Table’s website:  www.nrtee-trnee.ca/charting-a-course

-30-

Information:

Marie-Josée Lapointe
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
613-943-2054 / 613-617-4436
mariejosee.lapointe@nrtee-trnee.gc.ca

Climate Change Could be Expensive for Canada

Ottawa – September 29, 2011– Unless global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are brought down and Canada invests in adaptation, the economic impacts of climate change on Canada could climb to billions of dollars per year, according to a new report released today by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRT).Paying the Price: the Economic Impacts of Climate Change for Canada – the fourth report in the NRT’s Climate Prosperity series – is the first national study to show what the economic consequences to Canada could be as a result of climate change, under four separate scenarios involving two factors: global GHG emissions and Canadian economic and population growth. Report Findings Although Canada contributes approximately 1.5% of global emissions, the report concludes that climate change impacts brought about by increased world-wide emissions have a real and growing economic cost to Canada.  It also shows that adaptation – our capacity to manage the impacts to come – while not cost-free, is a cost-effective way to alleviate some of those impacts. Based on NRT original economic modelling, the report finds that the economic impact on Canada could reach: 2020: $5 billion per year 2050: Between $21 and $43 billion per year The report also estimates a five per cent chance that costs could escalate to $91 billion in 2050 if Canada’s population and economic growth is rapid and global climate change is high. Because climate change impacts will manifest themselves sectorally and regionally in different ways across the country, the NRT also focused on the economic impacts and cost-effectiveness of adaptation strategies for three representative areas:  timber supply, coastal areas and human health. In the 2050s: Timber supply impacts could range from $2 billion to $17 billion per year with high impacts in B.C. Flooding damages to coastal dwellings, resulting from climate change-induced sea-level rise and storm surges, could cost between $1 billion to $8 billion per year with higher than average cost impacts in Atlantic Canada Poorer air quality resulting from higher temperatures will lead to more hospital visits, resulting in millions of dollars in costs to local health care systems for four of Canada’s major cities – Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary The NRT also assessed if cost savings would occur as a result of proactive climate adaptation measures such as enhanced forest fire management and restricting coastal development in flood-prone areas. The report concludes that adaptation can save money by reducing the physical and economic impacts of climate change. The economic benefits of investing in adaptation outweighed the costs of simply letting rising climate impacts and costs occur in most instances. “Climate change has a price tag and it could be expensive,” said NRT President and CEO, David McLaughlin.  “While our report makes it clear that getting global emissions down is both in our economic and environmental interest, it also shows that adaptation is key in reducing impacts on people, places and prosperity.” Specific recommendations include further investment by the Government of Canada in increasing our country’s expertise in the economics of climate change impacts and adaptation, and further use of economic analysis to inform allocation of adaptation funding.  The report also recommends that all levels of governments continue investing in producing and disseminating research to guide adaptation decision-making by business, communities, and individuals. “This report sets out to help all of us – governments, business, and communities – to make climate-wise investment choices now, and in the future.  The economic information we provide here will further help us understand what is at stake if we fail to respond and GHG emissions continue to rise,” said NRT Vice-Chair Robert Slater. About the Round Table Through the development of innovative policy research and considered advice, the NRT’s mission is to help Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.  The NRT is the only national organization with a direct mandate from Parliament to engage Canadians in the generation and promotion of sustainable development advice. The report is available on the Round Table’s website:  www.nrtee-trnee.ca MEDIA BACKGROUNDER -30- Information: Marie-Josée Lapointe Director, Communications and Public Affairs National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy 613.943.2054 / 613.617.4436 mariejosee.lapointe@nrtee-trnee.gc.ca

Media backgrounder Atlantic Canada news release Ontario news release Quebec news release Prairies and Canada’s North news release British Columbia news release

OTTAWA, January, 25th, 2011 - Canada should adopt a phased-in approach to climate harmonization policy with the U.S. to avoid delay in emissions reductions and maintain economic competitiveness. This measured approach would establish a ‘price collar’ that limits carbon price differentials between Canada and the U.S. and takes other national measures, says a new report by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy.

Such a ‘made-in-Canada’ policy would allow Canada to achieve significant greenhouse gas reductions over the next 10 years even in the face of uncertain U.S. policy, address competitiveness concerns for industry, and pave the way towards greater harmonization later as American policy direction emerges, says the report, Parallel Paths: Canada-U.S. Climate Policy Choices.

This is the third report in the NRTEE’s Climate Prosperity series examining the economic risks and opportunities of climate change for Canada. It contains extensive new economic modelling and analysis assessing whether Canada should lead, lag, or harmonize policy approaches with the United States and the consequences of doing so. It shows that the current policy of harmonizing greenhouse gas reduction targets with the United States requires a higher carbon price in Canada to achieve those targets. Alternatively, harmonizing with the U.S. on carbon prices alone, rather than on targets, means Canada’s GHG target of cutting emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 would not be met.

Calling Canada’s pledge to harmonize climate policy with the U.S. “a sensible and realistic approach”, the NRTEE report suggests that a measured, Transitional Policy Option would build on current government regulatory approaches – such as the adoption of new vehicle emissions standards that mirror the U.S. – so as to both lower future costs of carbon abatement and reduce competitiveness risks of moving ahead in the face of continued U.S. policy uncertainty. It would ensure we continue to make real progress on our own emission reduction target for 2020, only 10 years away. ”The Transitional Policy Option brings about real carbon abatement and emission reductions in Canada whether the U.S. implements equivalent policy or not”, states the report.

The Transitional Policy Option contains the following four elements:

1. Contingent Carbon Pricing – to establish a price collar that limits the Canadian carbon price to no more than $30.00/tonne CO2e higher than the price in the U.S.;

2. A National Cap-and-Trade System – with auctioning of permits and revenue recycling to cap emissions and address regional and sectoral concerns.

3. Limited International Permits and Domestic Offsets – to keep domestic carbon prices lower for Canadian firms;

4. Technology Fund – to stimulate investment in needed emission reductions technologies.

Uncertainty about American climate policy direction means Canada may need to consider its own parallel path to harmonization aimed at meeting Canadian environmental goals at least economic cost. ”We need to understand how we can meet our environmental responsibilities as a sovereign state and a global actor fully comprehending the unique economic ties we enjoy on this continent”, stated Bob Page, NRTEE Chair. ”We are looking towards conformity in purpose, not uniformity in detail.”

Parallel Paths illustrates policy options Canada can undertake to advance our environmental objectives while ensuring continued economic growth. It positions us now to harmonize along Canadian interests when U.S. policy direction is finalized later. It walks a middle line between harmonizing on carbon targets and carbon prices, balancing competitiveness concerns with environmental obligations.

The NRTEE Transitional Policy Option builds on and reinforces the government’s current regulatory policy approach to harmonizing climate policy targets and actions with those of the United States by showing how a national carbon pricing approach can be integrated. ”No single climate policy option is risk free; realistically, each entails some costs”, states the report. ”But, if Canada desires to achieve its stated environmental goals of GHG emission reductions within a certain period, we will need to consider additional steps now, independent of U.S. actions and policy uncertainty.” 

The carbon price collar would not exceed $30 more than the price in the U.S. so as to maintain economic competitiveness for energy-intensive, trade-exposed industrial sectors, yet still achieve significant emissions reductions. For the economy, this means average annual GDP growth (measured over 2005-2020), would be two-per-cent, one-tenth of a percentage point below what it would be without a policy. For the environment, the TPO moves us further towards meeting our 2020 targets, achieving cuts of three per cent below 2005 levels at a minimum, compared to emissions being at 10 per cent above 2005 levels in 2020 without such a policy.

The report highlights the importance of low-carbon technology investment to realize future emission reductions. It proposes creating a new Canadian Low-Carbon Technology Fund financed through the compliance investments of carbon-polluting firms, which could reach between $500 million and $2 billion in 2020 depending upon the Canadian carbon price and corresponding U.S. policy. Recycling revenue back to industrial sectors, firms, and provinces would help ensure regional equity and fairness while targeting low-carbon technology development and deployment where it is needed most. 

“Harmonization, where possible and when feasible, make sense for Canada. But in the face of persistent U.S. uncertainty as to its own climate policy future, Canada will need to look to its own options, in the right way, at the right time.” said David McLaughlin, NRTEE President and CEO.

Full copies of the report available on-line at www.climateprosperity.ca/parallel-paths

For more information, technical questions, or interviews with either Dr. Page or Mr. McLaughlin, please contact:

Brian Laghi,
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
613-943-2054 o
613-882-8134 c
laghib@nrtee-trnee.ca

About the NRTEE:
The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy is an independent federal advisory agency dedicated to preserving the environment while maintaining a strong economy.

December 16, 2010 - A new report released today by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy highlights the need to adapt to the physical impacts of climate change if Canada is to cope and prosper through the expected negative effects of a warming globe.

Called Degrees of Change: Climate Warming and the Stakes for Canada, the report contains a unique Canadian diagram illustrating 60 specific impacts of a changing climate on Canada across eight categories ranging from ecosystems and water resources to human health and others. The diagram was originally released as part of a joint initiative with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society earlier this fall. This new report builds on the diagram and provides more context and explanation, spelling out ‘what we can expect” for each of the impacts and categories, and ‘what we can do about it’ through adaptation.

“A changing climate makes the very concept of status quo irrelevant,” states the report. “Canada – our people, places, and prosperity – will all be affected by climate change.”

The NRTEE’s report sets out what Canada and Canadians can expect from warming temperatures leading to a changing climate and what we might do about it. It shows categorically that climate change will lead to mostly negative effects on most parts of our country, with impacts varying across regions and over time.
Some benefits could occur in selected areas, including longer growing seasons in some areas, leading to potential economic opportunities. But overall, negative impacts significantly outweigh positive ones on the Degrees of Change map.

Degrees of Change is unequivocal that global warming is occurring and that some climate change is inevitable with impacts on Canada. Adapting to some degree of climate change is now inescapable and, along with mitigation, needs to form a core part of Canada’s climate policy response to ensure communities are resilient and can continue to prosper through change in the decades ahead. This can include reinforcing infrastructure at risk in the North due to degrading permafrost or building seawalls to protect New Brunswick’s coasts from more storm surges. Adapting can also mean promoting long-term planning processes in areas like coastal zones, urban design and energy planning.

“Decades of carbon-related change lie ahead with escalating levels of regional impacts,” said NRTEE Chair Bob Page. “We must design our future not leave it to chance.”

Global temperatures have already risen 0.78 degrees Celsius above pre-industrialized levels with Canada warming at nearly double the global rate. The world is committed to at least half a degree of further warming based on current patterns. This is important as world leaders have set a target of preventing global warming from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 

“We need to understand what this will mean and how we can adapt and prosper through the stresses and uncertainties of climate change”, stated David McLaughlin, NRTEE President and CEO.

The NRTEE report sets out three main conclusions:

• Climate change can exceed both the capacity and the responsibility of any one government, community, or business to respond.
• A ‘one-size-all’ approach to ensuring climate-wise policy and investment decisions is unrealistic given the varying regional and sector impacts across the country.
• Climate change presents both risks and opportunities for business that proactive action can help address.

Degrees of Change is the second of seven reports in the NRTEE’s Climate Prosperity series examining the economic risks and opportunities of climate change to Canada. Its goal is to research and offer policy advice on how Canada can secure its environmental and economic future in a climate-changing world.

To download the report, please visit, www.climateprosperity.ca/degrees-of-change
For interviews with NRTEE Chair Bob Page, CEO and President David McLaughlin, or NRTEE Quebec Member John Hachey, please contact:

Brian Laghi
NRTEE Director of Communications and Public Affairs
613-943-2054 o
613-882-8134 c
laghib@nrtee-trnee.ca

Ottawa, October 5, 2010 – The physical effects of climate change on Canada in the next century could touch everything from human health and community infrastructure to water resources and even tourism and recreation activities, according to a newly-compiled presentation of scientific research published today.

Called Degrees of Change, the diagram is the first comprehensive illustration of expected climate impacts published for Canada and appears today in editions of Canadian Geographic and Géographica magazines. Resting on a large body of published scientific information, it lays out 60 specific effects of climate change at increasing levels of warming as part of a joint initiative between the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

At two-degrees warming, for example, the diagram shows that summer Arctic sea ice extent could be halved, runoff in the South Saskatchewan River basin significantly reduced, and shipping through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway could become more costly due to lowering water levels. The two-degree marker represents temperature increases over pre-industrial levels and is significant because Canada and other G8 nations have agreed to take measures to limit global temperature increases to no more than that level.

“Climate change is not just a theory. It’s taking place now,” said NRTEE Chair Robert (Bob) Page. “That means we must go beyond cutting carbon emissions. We must start adapting our behaviour, our communities, and our economic activity to the emerging reality of climate change.”

The diagram and feature articles in the magazines go on to show even more risks to Canada’s coastal communities, fish and wildlife habitat, and human health, if global temperatures rise beyond the two-degree point.

Not all impacts compiled in the diagram are necessarily negative. For example, a two-degree increase could see timber gains from enhanced tree growth in some northerly locations, greater access to northern oil, gas and mineral resources, and an increased abundance of Atlantic cod north of the 60th parallel. Some tourism and recreational pursuits, such as skiing, would likely be hurt while others, such as golf, could benefit. The diagram is meant to illustrate a range of possible impacts that are scientifically-accepted and projected at this time.

Besides the magazines and poster diagram, the RCGS and NRTEE will sponsor expert panel discussions and have collaborated with the RCGS’ Canadian Council for Geographic Education to produce an education resource package to be distributed to 12,000 middle and secondary schools across Canada highlighting the implications of regional and local impacts of climate change. The RCGS Canadian Atlas Online (CAOL) will also carry a dedicated module on Climate Prosperity with interactive maps, diagrams and 13 lesson plans in the CAOL Learning Centre.

Dealing with the impacts of climate change means educating our children, said RCGS President Gisèle Jacob.

“The joint Climate Prosperity initiative with the NRTEE reinforces the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s educational role in fostering environmental stewardship in Canada” said Ms. Jacob. “Education is key to widening public understanding of our changing climate, the impacts and adaptive solutions.” 

To generate a national conversation on the impacts of climate change and potential solutions, the two organizations are hosting a series of panel discussions with leading Canadian experts over the next two weeks. The first will take place today from to 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Regional sessions will take place in Halifax on Oct. 13th, Montreal on Oct. 14th, Toronto on Oct. 18th, Vancouver on Oct. 20th and Saskatoon on Oct. 21st.

“Adapt and prosper will be increasingly central to Canadian governments, communities, and businesses as these effects become more and more evident,” said NRTEE President and CEO David McLaughlin.

This evening, the two organizations will host a reception at the Canadian Museum of Nature, where His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada will speak. Also speaking will be federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice. Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk will provide a video message in support of the initiative.

His Excellency is the founding chair of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy.
Media are welcome to attend both the panel discussion and speeches at tonight’s reception. The bilingual diagram is available both in print and online through Canadian Geographic, Géographica, and the NRTEE.

Panel Discussion
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
4th Floor
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod Street

*Reception
Begins at 5 p.m., speeches at 5:30 p.m.
(Public portion of reception ends at conclusion of speeches)
3rd Floor Salon
The Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod Street.

*Media are welcome to cover the public portion of the event which ends with the conclusion of the speeches.

For more information on this initiative please see www.climateprosperity.ca or www.rcgs.org. For interviews or other questions, please contact:

Brian Laghi
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
613-943-2054 o
613-882-8134 c

June 17, 2010 – OTTAWA – The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy today released a new report examining the sustainability of Canada’s water supply and its use by the nation’s major resource sectors.

The report, which reviews water use by the agriculture, forest, mining, electricity and oil and gas sectors, says that the time is now for Canadian policy makers, businesses, environmental groups and other concerned Canadians to look at ways to modernize outdated and inadequate water management practices. The report is entitled Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors.

The report concludes:

• Data on precise water use and access to such data is limited, making it difficult to know the national supply of water and the amounts being used.
• Approaches to allocating water in most of Canada are increasingly outdated and may no longer be appropriate given new environmental pressures and competing economic interests.
• Several levels of governments share jurisdiction over monitoring and managing water, leading to potential confusion among businesses which need water for production purposes.
• There is an overall lack of capacity and expertise across the country to effectively manage water resources.
• The impacts of climate change are expected to transform the way Canadians need to manage water resources.

“Governance at a national level is not currently positioned to respond to expected increasing pressure on our water resources,” says the report’s executive summary. “This is largely due to jurisdictional complexity, inconsistent approaches across the country, policy fragmentation, a lack of resources, and insufficient technical, scientific, and policy capacity.”

Growth in the natural resource sectors is expected to climb by between 50 and 65 per cent by 2030. The report calls for a national framework to deal with the issues and expected pressures outlined in the report.

“While Canada is blessed with an abundance of freshwater, an expected increase in the development of the natural resource sectors begs the question of whether our country has enough to support economic growth while also maintaining the health of our ecosystems,” said NRTEE Vice-Chair Robert Slater.

NRTEE President and Chief Executive Officer David McLaughlin said Canada needs to get a better handle on the quantity of water being used and how much is needed in the future.

“New stresses and demands are likely to pose a significant challenge to the sustainability of Canada’s water resources if action is not taken now,” said Mr. McLaughlin.

The report was released on the day of the Canadian Water Summit in Mississauga, where Mr. McLaughlin took part.

In its next report, the Round Table will make policy recommendations to deal with water issues identified in the current volume. The report will focus on improving current water allocation approaches, better collection and management of water-use data, and new policy ideas for water management that include market-based instruments.

For more information or for interviews with David McLaughlin or Robert Slater, please contact:

Brian Laghi
NRTEE Director of Communications and Public Affairs
613-943-2054
613-882-8134 c
laghib@nrtee-trnee.ca

Report Highlights

• According to Statistics Canada, the natural resource sectors account for at least 84 per cent of gross water use in Canada. The figure does not include gross use by the hydro and oil and gas sectors. 
• The natural resource sectors accounted for approximately 12.5 per cent of GDP in 2009 and are expected to grow by about 50-60 per cent by 2030.
• All Canadian provinces, with the exception of Prince Edward Island, share freshwater resources with other provinces/territories and/or the United States.
• At least 20 federal agencies have responsibilities regarding water management, covered under 11 different pieces of legislation.
• Water use licenses exist in all provinces and territories, but vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In most cases, one-time fees are payable at the time of application. Some provinces have fixed prices, while others have variable fees.

Sectoral Findings

• Thermal electric power generation is responsible for 64% of water withdrawn across Canada, making it the greatest water user in the country.
• In 2005, agriculture was responsible for 10% of gross water use and 66% of national consumption. Irrigation makes up 77 per cent of all agricultural water use. 
• Unlike the thermal power sector, hydroelectric power is not a significant consumer of water. However, hydro facilities can affect stream flow and water levels and have important impacts on ecosystems and downstream users.
• The oil and gas sector uses relatively small volumes of water at the national level, but has important water quantity and quality impacts at the local level. In 2007, three-quarters of all Alberta’s oil production was water-assisted.
• British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan together account for 92 per cent of agricultural water use in Canada.
• Mining operations can benefit from robust adaptive water management plans to cope with climate change. For example, melting permafrost in Canada’s North will have a serious impact on the stability of structures such as tailings impoundment facilities.

OTTAWA, May 20, 2010 – The ‘green race’ is on and Canada needs to be ready to prosper in the transition to a global low-carbon economy, says a new report by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) released today as part of its Climate Prosperity series.

The report, Measuring Up: Benchmarking Canada’s Competitiveness in a Low-Carbon World, creates a new Low-Carbon Performance Index (LCPI) that tracks Canada’s competitive performance in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The LCPI, developed with Deloitte, finds that Canada currently ranks sixth among the G8 nations when measured across five key categories and 15 comprehensive indicators necessary for low-carbon performance. The categories are emissions and energy, innovation, investment, skills, and policy and institutions. The Index measures a nation’s level of clean technology investment, low-carbon financial stimulus and national-carbon pricing measures, as examples. 

“To succeed and prosper in this global low-carbon transition, we must first know how we stand against others,” says the NRTEE report. “As the world moves to a low-carbon economy, Canada can win or lose. The choice is ours.”

While Canada ranks sixth overall among the G8, it is first in skills and third in innovation under the LCPI. Other rankings are fourth in investment, sixth in emissions and energy and sixth in policy and institutions. Canada’s performance is just behind the United States and close to Japan, which together form a second- tier of low-carbon performing countries within the G8. The Index is led by a first-tier group of France, Germany, and the U.K. with Italy and Russia making up the third-tier. 

Canada’s ranking reflects the reality and challenges of our country’s profile as an energy-producing and exporting country characterized by vast geography, a cold climate and dispersed population centres.

“The global low-carbon transition is both a challenge and an opportunity that we face,” said NRTEE Chair Bob Page. “But the NRTEE believes Canada and Canadians are up to that challenge – that with the usual Canadian ingenuity, hard work and original policy ideas, Canada can become a world leader in the new economy to come.”

Competitive advantage in the future will require advances on low-carbon performance for all countries. “Carbon, like inflation, needs to be seen as ultimately weakening our economic performance, affecting the competitive position of Canadian exports,” said Mr. Page.

“The indicators chosen to create the Index are comparable across all countries and rigorous in their methodology,” said Valerie Chort, Partner, Sustainability and Climate Change at Deloitte. “The Index reflects the view that prosperity in a low-carbon economy will result from success across a spectrum of performance areas. By bringing these performance areas together under one umbrella, the Index provides a starting point for understanding Canada’s low-carbon growth opportunities.”

The NRTEE report recommends that the LCPI be updated and published regularly to measure progress, and that a second nationally-scoped low-carbon index be developed and used as the basis for developing a low-carbon growth plan for Canada. 

“Climate prosperity is not just about coping with climate change, but prospering through it,” said NRTEE President and Chief Executive Officer David McLaughlin. “Canada’s resilient performance through the recession shows we have a strong overall economic foundation upon which to build.”

Measuring Up is the first report in a seven-part NRTEE series entitled Climate Prosperity, examining the economic risks and opportunities for Canada of climate change.

The NRTEE is a federally-appointed policy advisory agency dedicated to achieving environmental and economic sustainability.

For more information or for interviews with NRTEE Chair Bob Page, President and CEO David McLaughlin or Member John Hachey, please contact;

Brian Laghi, Director of Communications and Public Affairs,
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
613-943-2054 / 613-882-8134 c
laghib@nrtee-trnee.ca

Ottawa, April 16, 2009 - The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) today advised the federal government to move quickly to implement a unified national carbon pricing policy across Canada in order to meet the Government of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2020 and 2050.

“The Round Table’s report concludes that a unified national carbon price through an economy-wide cap-and-trade system across all jurisdictions, emissions, and sectors is necessary to allow Canada to reach its emission reductions targets at the least economic costs,” said NRTEE Chair Bob Page.

Achieving 2050: A Carbon Pricing Policy for Canada sets out a comprehensive road-map for establishing a national cap-and-trade system in a phased manner, with adequate transition for industry and consumers to allow Canada to achieve its environmental goals at the least economic cost. The NRTEE conducted original economic modeling, detailed analytical research, and extensive stakeholder consultation to develop its proposed carbon pricing policy for Canada. It concluded that an economy-wide cap-and-trade system would be the most effective way to achieve the federal government’s deep long-term emission reduction targets at least economic cost. The policy is designed to initially contain costs for industry and consumers, but then transition to achieve greater carbon emission reductions through full auction of carbon emission permits in order to meet Canada’s environmental targets.

Key elements of the policy include:

• A national cap-and-trade system to price carbon and provide real market incentives for firms and households in Canada to change their technology choices and behaviour in order to reduce emissions.
• Complementary regulations and technology policies to improve the cost-effectiveness of the cap-and-trade system by broadening coverage across all key emission sources, while supporting targeted technology development and deployment.
• Participation in international markets through trading and credit purchases to help reduce economic costs at home by allowing Canadian firms and consumers access to credible emission reductions internationally.
• A new climate governance mechanism, including a carbon pricing and revenue authority to ensure collaborative and coordinated implementation of the carbon pricing policy over time, making sure it sends a clear and certain price signal to industry and consumers, while remaining responsive to new information and situations.

“Our proposed carbon pricing policy for Canada is responsible, reasonable and realistic” said David McLaughlin, President and CEO of the NRTEE, “It integrates environmental and economic considerations, provides an adequate transition period for implementation, and builds on existing federal, provincial, and international approaches.”

The Round Table’s research shows that there was a higher cost to a continued fragmented approach to carbon pricing across Canada than those found under the proposed unified carbon pricing approach.

The NRTEE’s analysis shows that under the proposed policy the Canadian economy, as a whole, would continue to grow under the proposed carbon pricing policy but at a somewhat reduced rate. Some sectors, regions and Canadians would be impacted more significantly than others but this can be addressed through the design of the proposed policy and auction revenue recycling measures targeted at households and businesses.

“A unified approach is better for Canada overall at keeping costs down for companies and consumers” said NRTEE member Robert Dubé. “New collaborative governance mechanisms we are proposing will make it easier and more effective for the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to work together and meet our environmental goals, at the least economic cost.”

The NRTEE believes now is the time to prepare Canada and Canadians for a low-emission future.

“We see an opportunity for Canada to position itself for a sustainable economic recovery based in part on a unified, carbon pricing policy that prepares us positively for the transition to a low-carbon global economy”, said Bob Page. “The time to act is now.”

For more information:

Tony Bégin
Communications Advisor
613-944-4781
begint@nrtee-trnee.ca

Full copies of the report available on-line at www.nrtee-trnee.ca.

Ottawa, January 13, 2009 – Canada’s commercial building sector can contribute up to nearly 10% of total Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in 2050 if a proposed policy pathway recommended by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is adopted.

A joint report released today by the two organizations, entitled “Geared for Change: Energy Efficiency in Canada’s Commercial Building Sector”, shows that the combined application of an economy-wide carbon price signal, new regulations such as energy efficiency standards in building codes and minimum performance standards, targeted financial subsidies and incentives such as loan guarantees and accelerated capital cost allowances to promote technology deployment, and voluntary actions and information programs to promote energy efficiency, can together lead to a reduction of 73 MtCO2 per year compared to the business-as-usual scenario for the sector by 2050.

This represents an 89% reduction in emissions from the “do nothing” case, but is still 9% above 2008 levels. In order to achieve absolute emissions reductions from the sector after 2030 and to prevent a later rise in emissions, mandatory performance regulations will be necessary for all new buildings.

“This is an important economic sector that can make a real environmental contribution to addressing climate change by following the policy pathway our joint report sets out”, stated Bob Page, Chair of the NRTEE. “Every economic sector has to do its environmental share and this report provides specific solutions and recommendations on how new energy efficiency policies and measures in the commercial building sector can do just that.”

With more than 440,000 commercial buildings across Canada, the commercial building sector is a significant contributor to GHG emissions, representing 13% of total emissions. Given that the sector also represents 14% of all end-use energy consumption, the report concludes that a focus on energy efficiency will lead to real, measurable GHG emission reductions.

Addressing barriers to adoption of environmentally-friendly technologies necessary to combat climate change is a key conclusion of the report. “Strong policy is needed to pull through ready and waiting technology”, said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. “Canada is a leader in developing clean technologies. Through specific funding and regulatory changes, the policy pathway laid out in our joint report will accelerate the adoption of these technologies, feeding the market demand that will emerge.”

“Geared for Change” marks the first collaborative research project of the NRTEE and SDTC, combining SDTC’s market and technology expertise with the NRTEE’s environmental and economic policy advisory mandate. NRTEE and SDTC have concluded that in order to achieve deep GHG emission reductions and to realistically determine climate change requirements by industry involving technology, having both national and sector-level plans are required.

“This is the first focused GHG emission reduction study of a major economic sector that uses original modeling and analysis to determine what specific steps need to be taken between now and 2050, and puts it all together in a comprehensive policy pathway for the federal government.” stated David McLaughlin, NRTEE President and CEO. “Our two sustainability organizations are providing a ready-made recipe for real emission reductions in the commercial building sector, beginning now.”

The report is based on almost a year of analysis and engagement with national and regional commercial building stakeholders and experts, plus the combined research, market, technology, and policy development strengths of the NRTEE and SDTC.

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For more information or media inquiries contact:

Tony Bégin
NRTEE Communications Advisor
Tel: (613) 944-4781
begint@nrtee-trnee.ca

Patrice Breton
SDTC Director of Communications
Tel: (613) 234-6313 ext. 295
Mobile: (613) 292-5029
p.breton@sdtc.ca
About the NRTEE:
The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE), an independent federal agency, is dedicated to exploring new opportunities to integrate environmental conservation and economic development, in order to sustain Canada’s prosperity and secure its future.

About SDTC:
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is an arms-length, not-for-profit corporation created by the Government of Canada that finances and supports the development and demonstration of clean technologies which provide solutions to issues of climate change, clean air, water quality and soil, and wh

Ottawa, October 29, 2008 – To mark its 20th anniversary year, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) will host a unique Round Table Forum entitled Securing Canada’s Future in a Climate-Changing World. The Forum will be held at Old City Hall, 111 Sussex Drive in Ottawa tomorrow, October 30, 2008, from 8:00-17:00. The Forum is being chaired by Pierre Marc Johnson.

“Climate change requires all of us to consider new solutions and approaches to ensure that our economic and environmental future is secure and Canada’s contribution to global sustainability is meaningful,” said Pierre Marc Johnson, NRTEE Forum Chair. “It is an honour for me to chair this special 20th Anniversary Forum and I am excited by the contribution it will make to long-term sustainability policies for Canada.”

Climate change has emerged as this century’s most far-reaching global sustainable development challenge and, as such, Canada’s economic and environmental future will be determined in large part by how we, and the rest of the world, respond to the current and emerging threats and opportunities posed by a changing climate.

The Securing Canada’s Future in a Climate-Changing World Forum has attracted a wide-ranging group of eminent Canadians such as: Dr. Roger Gibbins, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation; Preston Manning, President and CEO of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy; Mel Cappe, President and CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP); Steve Williams, COO of Suncor; Dr. David Keith of the University of Calgary; Peter Robinson, CEO of the Suzuki Foundation; David Runnalls, President and CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development; Thomas Homer-Dixon, Professor at the University of Waterloo and Chair of Global Systems at the Balsillie School of International Affairs; and Ian Church, Chairman of the Canadian International Polar Year.

“The NRTEE has built a long reputation of bringing leaders from diverse backgrounds together to discuss pressing environmental and economic issues facing Canadians” said NRTEE Chair Bob Page. “This 20th Anniversary Forum continues that tradition of informed dialogue to seek out balanced solutions.”

The 20th Anniversary Forum Securing Canada’s Future in a Climate-Changing World will consist of three Round Table sessions designed to debate domestic and global environmental and economic security through the lenses of our ecosystems, our energy economy, and our Arctic environment.

Round Table I: Securing Canada’s Ecosystems will be moderated by Gisèle Quenneville, Host-Producer at TFO. Panellists such as: David Chernushenko, Michael Harcourt, Merrell-Ann Phare, Preston Manning, Ken Ogilvie, Toby Heaps, Mel Cappe, Ian Shugart, Avrim Lazar, Linda Coady, Roger Gibbins, Hélène Lauzon, Rick Smith and Bill Borland will be asked to discuss the most important public policy issues related to securing Canada’s ecosystems in the face of climate change, what barriers and challenges exist that prevent policy makers from addressing these issues and what solutions can be used to overcome these barriers.

Bernard Lord, President and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, will moderate Round Table II: Securing Canada’s Energy Economy. At this Round Table, Mr. Lord will be joined by Angus Bruneau, Marlo Reynolds, Sheila Leggett, Peter Robinson, Jeff Passmore, Mike Cleland, Steve Williams, Andrew Lee, John Manzoni, Cassie Doyle, David Keith, Andrew Coyne, Duncan Hawthorne, Vicky Sharpe and Elyse Allan. The need for a national sustainable energy strategy, the environmental impacts of our current energy system – from climate change to air pollution, and what levels of transformation are needed to our energy systems such as conservation, efficiency measures and the concurrent shift toward renewable energy sources will be discussed.

Round Table III: Securing Canada’s Arctic Environment is being moderated by Jodi White, President of the Public Policy Forum. Robert Page, Robert Huebert, David Runnalls, Anthony Cary, Michael Wernick, Thomas Homer-Dixon, Paul Heinbecker, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Mercedes Stephenson, Fen Osler Hampson, Ian Church, Terry Breese and Violet Ford will be asked to discuss the need for stronger international environmental cooperation in the Arctic and Canada’s approach to Arctic sovereignty; the need for policy makers to grasp the implications of positive feedbacks in the Earth’s climate; nonlinear climate change and effects on foreign policy; and strategies for public policy that would help to protect natural ecosystems in the Arctic.

“Our catalytic purpose and distinctive round table approach give the NRTEE a unique role in advancing innovative, long-term sustainability policies and solutions for Canada,” said David McLaughlin, NRTEE President and CEO. “We look forward to the Round Table dialogues and expert commentary from the best and brightest in their fields. Together, they will help us to consider how to secure Canada’s future in a climate-changing world.” 

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CONTACT: 

Helene Ouellet or Ann Viau
Ouellet & Viau Communications
(613) 232-1515 (O)
(613) 850-5062 (Helene’s cellular)
(613) 851-1656 (Ann’s cellular)

Tony Bégin, NRTEE
(613) 944-4781