Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA] – Teika Newton of Climate Action Network Canada – Réseau action climat Canada has issued the following statement on the Federal Government of Canada’s newly announced $10 billion dollar infrastructure plan
“Building a zero-carbon economy is the only reliable way to ensure Canadian prosperity and good jobs in the coming decades. We’re pleased to see a strong financial commitment to clean transition being announced by the federal government today.
A commitment to individual and community resilience must be the beating heart of Canada’s plan to build back better from COVID-19 and accelerate our transition to a climate-safe economy. Knowing this, we are particularly keen to see strong investments in energy efficient retrofits for homes and buildings, one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, improve access to safe and comfortable housing, and maximize job creation. Similarly, supporting clean transportation is an investment that serves all Canadians, while safeguarding the climate for future generations. Enhancing telecommunications and clean electricity connectivity will provide the foundational architecture of tomorrow’s clean and increasingly digital economy, and investing in Canada’s agriculture sector will enhance domestic food security while ensuring Canadian farmers continue to be important contributors to the global marketplace.
There is still a long road ahead of us, with much more work to be done – we trust that this is only the first of many such announcements.”