For Immediate Release
September 30, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy conference – Newleef 2015 – features an exclusive session focused on tackling climate change within the province.

“85 percent of Canadians are now living in a province where carbon is being priced,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), the organizer of Newleef. Lomond is referring to pricing strategies being implemented in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. “It is time that Newfoundland and Labrador has an open discussion on when we will do our part for the environment, how we will address our rising greenhouse gas emissions, and how we will help capitalize on the business opportunities this creates.”

To encourage that discussion at Newleef is Chris Ragan, Chair of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission and the event’s keynote speaker. The commission was formed in 2014 by a group of experienced, policy-minded economists from across the country who have helped design, implement, and analyze policies for governments across Canada. “Chris leads a group of experts who take a practical and economic-centric approach to policy development,” says Lomond, noting the approach may be appealing to Newfoundland and Labrador’s decision makers.

The Hon. Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, will also speak during the session, adding a local context to the issues and options which arise. “We are encouraged that the government is participating in the conversation,” says Lomond.

The climate change session at Newleef will also feature an expert assessment on the needs and challenges Newfoundland and Labrador faces in adapting to its shifting climate, and a presentation on how the electric vehicle may be particularly well suited to contribute to lowering provincial emissions in the province.

“There are a number of geographical and economic factors which are unique to our province – and our climate change strategies must reflect that,” says Lomond. Lomond notes, however, that a significant delay in policy introduction could cause competitive issues for local firms. “With the vast majority of Canada’s business now operating in an economy where carbon emissions are being priced, it is important that the government of Newfoundland and Labrador provide a framework which, while discouraging pollution, encourages the economic activities we dowant from our businesses – e.g. job creation, innovation, and growth.”

“Our firms have the capacity to become global leaders in emissions reduction technologies, but they need the appropriate incentives to support their work.”

Newleef takes place October 8th and 9th in St. John’s, NL. More information on the Newleef conference can be found at www.newleef.ca. NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at www.neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

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