Managing growth pressures
March 14, 2007
Public consultations provide foundation for Alberta's climate change response
Edmonton... Albertans will have an opportunity to help shape Alberta's next plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the province.
"With the introduction of our legislation we have closed the loop on our action plan and we are set to meet the next challenge," said Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner. "We want to hear Albertans' ideas on how we can continue to work together to address greenhouse gas emissions, for not only today, but well into the future."
Beginning March 27 in Lloydminster, a series of 10 community workshops will be held throughout the province during March and April in order to give Albertans an opportunity to provide input on the climate change plan.
An information package, which includes a workbook questionnaire and a fact book about climate change, is available to all Albertans through various locations, including MLA and Alberta Environment offices and libraries, and online at www.alberta.ca. Those who are unable to take part in the workshops may also call 310-4455 to request the materials.
Albertans from all sectors are encouraged to participate by using the fact book to learn more about climate change in Alberta and then respond by mail or the online questionnaire by April 25. Results of the questionnaires will be compiled and a draft action plan will be released over the summer for discussion, with a final plan to come in the fall.
Public consultations are the next step in Alberta's approach to dealing with climate change. These consultations follow the Government of Alberta's recent introduction of Bill 3, the Climate Change and Emissions Management Amendment Act which will require existing large industrial emitters to reduce their emissions intensity by 12 per cent, effective July 1.
Renewing Alberta's climate change plan is a priority outlined in Renner's mandate and is also one of the key actions under Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to manage growth pressures. Other priorities for government are to govern with integrity and transparency, build a stronger Alberta, improve Albertans' quality of life and provide safe and secure communities.
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Editors Note: See attached backgrounder on the consultation dates and locations.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Kim Hunt
Director, Communications
Alberta Environment
780-427-6267
[email protected]
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Backgrounder
March 14, 2007
Public consultations: Laying the foundation for Alberta's climate change response
The consultation includes 10 public meetings across the province, and two stakeholder roundtables hosted by Environment Minister Rob Renner. A draft action plan will be released over the summer for discussion, with a final plan to come in the fall.
As owners of Alberta's resources, it is important Albertans have an active role in addressing the next stages in Alberta's response to climate change. While we have completed our current climate change action plan, we know we require more action to meet the future challenges of climate change. Albertans are invited to share their views about the next suite of actions that could be taken and the responsibility various players have in moving forward. The consultation process will provide information about the impacts of climate change in Alberta and will explore options for emissions reduction, adaptation, energy efficiency and conservation.
There are several ways to get involved in the consultations:
1. Participating in public consultation workshops
Albertans will be invited to attend workshops hosted in 10 communities across the province. Meeting the Challenge workbooks and a supporting fact book, Facts about Climate Change, will be available at the workshops. Albertans are encouraged to complete the workbook at the workshop. The workbooks must be submitted by April 25.
The consultations will take place from late March through the end of April in the following communities:
- Lloydminster (Tuesday, March 27)
- Grande Prairie (Thursday, March 29)
- Medicine Hat (Tuesday, April 3)
- Lethbridge (Wednesday, April 4)
- Calgary (Tuesday, April 10)
- Red Deer (Wednesday, April 11)
- Edmonton (Wednesday, April 18)
- Fort McMurray (Monday, April 16)
- Slave Lake (Thursday, April 19)
- Edson (Monday, April 23)
The dates and locations of the workshops will be advertised within the communities. Information will also be available from the local MLA offices, on the Government of Alberta's website at www.alberta.ca or by calling 310-4455 (toll-free).
2. Completing the Meeting the Challenge workbooks independently
Meeting the Challenge workbooks and the supporting fact book, Facts about Climate Change, will also be available outside the workshops. Albertans can pick up copies at local MLA and Environment offices and local libraries. The workbooks and fact books can also be downloaded from the Government of Alberta's website and submitted online by accessing www.alberta.ca or you may call 310-4455 (toll-free) for the materials.
Workbook submission deadline
The workbooks must be submitted by April 25, either online at www.alberta.ca, by fax at (780) 421-4502, or by mail at:
Accurate Data Services Inc.
400, 10621-100 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 9Z9
For more information on the workbook or the consultation process, call 310-4455 (toll free across Alberta) or visit the Government of Alberta's website at www.alberta.ca.