VICTORIA – As the Liberal Express rolls into British Columbia this week, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is sharing his commitment to creating long-term economic growth through strategic, targeted investments for building a sustainable clean energy economy.
“Liberals believe that Canada does not have to choose between environmental sustainability and economic growth,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “Unlike the Conservatives, we understand that the next generation of jobs and economic growth in a carbon-constrained world will come from renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.”
Today, Mr. Ignatieff and the Liberal team will meet with researchers from the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria, which conducts research into sustainable energy.
“Innovative places like the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems are charting the course for Canada and the world, because the scientists, engineers, and economists here are working together towards the common goal of finding access to safe, clean and sustainable energy,” said Mr. Ignatieff.
“After four years of a Stephen Harper government, there has been no investment made in sustainable energy sources. Our oceans have been left vulnerable to oil spills, we’re made zero progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Canada has done its best to block advances at international climate change summits.”
In contrast, a future Liberal government will invest in clean energy to create jobs and develop cutting edge industries that will export clean technology products to growing markets such as China and India.
In partnership with the provinces, Liberals will set an ambitious target of quadrupling Canada’s production of renewable energy from sources such as solar and wind, by 2017.
Liberals have also committed to protecting our air, oceans, waterways, forests and Arctic, to restore Canada’s place as an environmental leader.
“It’s time to set ourselves a new national project—one that brings together our economy, our environment and our best ideas to create the jobs and prosperity of tomorrow,” said Mr. Ignatieff.
