Ontario a “clean energy powerhouse”

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Representatives of government and industry gathered at the Canadian Energy Forum in Toronto were told that Ontario is being positioned as a “clean energy powerhouse” which will provide thousands of jobs.

Hosted by the Energy Council of Canada, the Toronto forum is the first in a new series of dialogue events to be held across Canada over the next two years, which will continue to build on the success of the Montreal 2010 World Energy Congress.

In his opening keynote address, the Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy, told participants that the recently unveiled Ontario Long-Term Energy Plan will continue to build on energy and infrastructure investments in a coordinated, cohesive fashion over the next two decades.

The Minister said these past and future investments in Ontario’s energy infrastructure, transmission, and distribution, together with a supply mix that will continue to see “nuclear power remain the backbone of our base load capacity” will ensure the province has a clean, reliable energy system for decades to come.

“These jobs and investments are making Ontario the driver of clean energy in North America,” said Minister Duguid. “We’re making Ontario a clean energy powerhouse, creating thousands of jobs in communities right across this province.”

The forum also featured two panels. The first, Ontario Long-Term Energy Plan, examined the governmentÂ’s recently unveiled blueprint for meeting the electricity needs of the province until 2030 other related government policies on energy and the environment as well as the associated challenges for the energy industry in Ontario. The second panel, Cities & Urban Energy Innovation brought into perspective both international best practices as well as Toronto-based initiatives regarding the role urban regions will play in addressing energy issues for the future.

In his keynote luncheon address, Colin Andersen, CEO of the Ontario Power Authority said, “Urban areas have a key role to play in building a more sustainable future, both as wise consumers of energy and as partners in developing innovative approaches to meeting local energy needs.”

Representatives from Ontario Power Authority, Bruce Power, APPRO, Metrolinx, Toronto Board of Trade, and Toronto City Summit Alliance provided information on their roles in OntarioÂ’s energy mix also offering views of what is needed for the future.

“The issues discussed today are vital to ensuring that Canadians have a reliable, efficient and cost-effective energy supply and delivery system,” said Greg Schmidt, President, Energy Council of Canada. “Through the Energy Forums, valuable lessons and examples of best practices in overcoming energy challenges can be shared both locally and nationally so that all players in the energy sector and ultimately energy consumers can share in the benefits.”