Premier, Environment Minister Attend Copenhagen Conference
Premier Darrell Dexter will be joined by Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment, and representatives of 12 businesses from the province in Copenhagen, Denmark, to participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The conference, which runs from Dec. 7-18, sets the stage for the international response to climate change and includes the development of a framework to take effect in 2013 when the Kyoto Protocol expires. Premier Dexter will serve as part of the Canadian delegation and will represent Atlantic Canada in the development of Canada's position.
The Nova Scotia delegation is participating in the conference to promote the province's green technology sector, to explore new sustainable energy opportunities, and to showcase Nova Scotia's commitment to reducing and mitigating climate change.
"I am proud to be travelling to Copenhagen with such a talented and innovative group," said Premier Dexter. "I can't think of a better opportunity to showcase to the world Nova Scotia's leadership in the green economy, green technology, climate change and environmental sustainability."
The businesses participating in the conference are:
- Breton Windworks
- BTE Engineering
- Carbon Sense Solutions
- Dalhousie College of Sustainability
- de Romilly and de Romilly
- Halifax Regional Municipality
- Jacques Whitford - Stantec
- Minas Basin Pulp and Power
- Nova Scotia Power
- Scotian Carbon Services
- Sustainability Solutions
- The Wooden Monkey
"Nova Scotia has tremendous potential for economic growth in the sustainable energy sector," said Premier Dexter. "We are already being recognized for our work in tidal energy and LED lighting and this conference provides an excellent opportunity to show the world's government and business leaders what Nova Scotia has to offer in green technology."
Minas Basin Pulp and Power, which won the right to host the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy, the first instream tidal facility in the province, is one of the businesses taking part in the conference's Bright Green Trade Expo.
"It is a privilege to be in Copenhagen to support the premier and the government in finding new sources of sustainable renewable energy and bringing Nova Scotia's tidal energy to the world stage," said Scott Travers, president and COO of Minas Basin Pulp and Power.
"Nova Scotia has the people and the resources to provide solutions to climate change. The private sector is more than ready and looking forward to working with the government."
The conference will also provide opportunities for Premier Dexter and Mr. Belliveau to see demonstrations of renewable energy projects and learn about new technologies that could help Nova Scotia meet climate change and economic development commitments.
"Nova Scotia has set aggressive targets on greenhouse gas reductions," said Mr. Belliveau. "I look forward to learning about what other places around the world are doing so that Nova Scotia can achieve its targets and be one of the most environmentally and economically sustainable environments in the world."
As part of the conference, Premier Dexter will speak at the Climate Leaders Summit about tidal energy and LED lighting, two areas where Nova Scotia is a global leader. Mr. Belliveau will speak about Nova Scotia's renewable energy and environmental technologies at the Bright Green Trade Expo.
Premier Dexter and Mr. Belliveau will also meet with government and business leaders, and tour renewable energy projects in Denmark.