"Canadians are very aware that they must address today's energy needs without compromising either the environment or the ability of future generations to meet their energy needs," said the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "I will be meeting with my provincial and territorial counterparts in mid-September to discuss, among other matters, how to increase Canada's use of renewable energy resources. By diversifying our energy resources and using alternative energy, Canada can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. This will improve the quality of life for all Canadians."

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity, earth and biomass energy, produce electricity or thermal energy without depleting natural resources. The development of these energy sources is a key element in the Government of Canada's plan to address climate change and diversify its energy sources.

Canada is a world leader in the use of renewable energy - 17 percent of Canada's primary energy supply is from renewable energy sources, compared to an average of 6 percent for the other Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Canada's renewable energy production comes mostly from water (hydroelectricity) and wood. Other sources include solar, wind, earth and biomass such as agricultural products.

The Government of Canada has supported the development and use of renewable energy for many years. By the end of the 1990s, it was investing about $15 million annually. During the past two years, the Government of Canada has announced new initiatives worth about $350 million over several years to encourage markets for renewable energy sources. Once these new initiatives are fully implemented, annual spending will rise to about $50 million. Natural Resources Canada has initiatives to support renewable energy sources in four broad categories: technology innovation, support for producers, market development and tax incentives.

Government of Canada support for renewable energy builds on its commitments to supporting research and development, and to ensuring a clean, healthy environment, which are essential elements of our quality of life.