The following statement was read today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today about the exciting initiatives happening under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, specifically the Climate Change Challenge Fund.

Recently, I joined my federal colleague, the Minister of Natural Resources, to announce $8.1 million to support 13 climate action projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Provincial Government contributed $3.3 million in support of these initiatives to lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel efficiency and help communities across the province save on energy costs.

Some of the initiatives include the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Furnace Replacement Project for existing housing units around the province, and the Fisheries and Marine Institute’s Fuel Switching Project. Details on the remaining projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mr. Speaker, every single action we take to lower greenhouse gas emissions matters.

By 2030, programs under this fund are anticipated to deliver 830,000 tonnes of cumulative greenhouse gas reductions and 650 direct person years of employment. In addition to the projects under the Climate Change Challenge Fund, the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund supports programs for residential, provincial and industrial energy efficiency and electrification, including converting buildings, such as schools, from oil heat to electric heat.

Through programs like the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, and our Climate Change Action Plan, we are working to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but to stimulate clean innovation and growth, and build resilience to climate change impacts.

Thank you.