COMMUNITIES AS PART OF THE SOLUTION

1. COMMUNITIES AS PART OF THE SOLUTION MID WESTERN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP on CLIMATE CHANGE Inglis, Manitoba November 2, 2005

2. The Starting Point • Canada agreed to decrease its GHG emissions in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 • Kyoto set binding emissions reductions • Became international law February 2005 • Canada obligated to cut GHGs 6% below 1990 levels between 2008-2012 • Emissions now 24% above 1990 levels

3. Kyoto Process • In the months following Kyoto, the National Climate Change Process was developed • Joint federal-provincial-territorial activity • How to implement Kyoto and address costs • 16 Roundtables – transportation, buildings, electricity, PEO, industry… • Put forward recommendations

4. Provinces and Territories • MB, PQ and PEI – CC plans • AB, SK, NS, NWT – “plans”, criticized GoC • ON – no plan, but strong policies to improve air quality and reduce GHGs • NB, YK, NV -- nothing • Most prov. and territorial emissions up since 1990 • NB, AB, SK and BC – risen sharply • PQ, PEI, NS and MB – moderate rise • YK – reduction

5. Manitoba • CC plan is “ambitious and comprehensive” • (+) Same GHG target as Kyoto, ground source heat pumps, clean energy production • (-) Transportation, agriculture (11.5%) • Only plan in Canada that has been renewed • Signed MOU with GoC – one of five

6. Weight on Provinces? • Fundamental shift in how we use energy • Have jurisdiction over NB sectors relating to energy and GHG emissions • Regulate building codes • Jurisdiction over municipalities (where much of on-the-ground GHG reductions will have to happen)

7. Others? • US fed gov did not sign Kyoto – original target was 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 • 28 states developed/developing strategies or action plans to reduce GHGs • 9 NE states, set up a cap-and-trade program • Arnie signed executive order mandating a reduction of GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, 80% below 1990 by 2050

8. Cities • US cities very active – Conf of Mayors, representing 132 cities, unanimously passed a resolution that requires cities to meet original US Kyoto target. • Toronto is NA leader – TAF,  municipal emissions 20% by 2005. On track. • Montreal and Vancouver have since followed that lead.

9. “Up to half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (38 Mt) are under the direct control or influence of municipal governments.”- Federation of Canadian Municipalities

10. MB support for Kyoto Protocol • St. Andrews (RM) • Shoal Lake (Town) • Tache (RM) • The Pas (Town) • Winchester (RM) • Winkler (Town) • Winnipeg (City) • Bifrost (RM) • East St. Paul (RM) • Gimli (Town) • Kelsey (RM) • Lac du Bonnet (RM) • Reynolds (RM) • Roblin (Town)

11. Project Green • Sustainable Cities and Communities • This plan recognizes the synergies between the parallel efforts of fighting climate change and greening our cities and communities. • The GoC’s New Deal for Cities and Communities, which includes significant investment in sustainable infrastructure.

12. The “New Deal” • Targeted gas tax transfer of $5 billion federal funds over 5 years • For environmentally sustainable infrastructure • Landfill gas capture • Community energy systems • Solid waste management • Capacity building • Public transit

13. Funding Renewals • Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund • Border Infrastructure Fund • Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund • Min 60% of funding under MRIF will target green infrastructure

14. Communicate*** • Agreements with Provinces will have large role in determining goals for MB • * Coordinate and communicate closely with Province so needs and interests of municipalities are integrated into Provincial climate change goals *

15. Any questions? Thank you for your attention