Download Meeting Minutes of Climate Change Hub Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes of Climate Change Hub Advisory Committee
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Lord Beaverbrook Hotel
10 am to 3 pm
Attendance
Adam Merrill
Partners for Climate Protection
Greg Leblanc
UNB
Alison Howells
New Brunswick Lung Association
Heather Quinn
NB Department of Energy
Anne Warburton
Environment Canada
Janet Johnson
Sunbury
Barb MacKinnon
International Center for Air Quality and Health
Jessie Davies
UNB
Brent Crowhurst
Falls Brook Center
Jim Knight
Jacques-Whitford
Carol Sharpe
Enbridge Gas NB
Joanne Langis
University of Moncton
Chris MacPherson
City of Fredericton
John Castell
Town of St-Andrews
Darwin Curtis
NB Department of Energy
Kenneth Maybee
New Brunswick Lung Association
Dave Besner
AMEC
Lesley Rogers
NB Energy Efficiency Agency
Dave Desjardins
Science East Center
Louise Steward
Irving Oil Refineries
Dean Mundee
NB Department of Environment
Mark Arsenault
Independent Power Systems
Eddie Oldfield
NB Climate Change Hub
Martin Boulerice
NB Department of Environment
Emily Harrison
Katimavik
Mike Riley
NBEIA
Eric Tusz-King
EOS Eco-Energy
Patricia MacMillan RST Industries
Ernest MacGillivray
Emergency Measures Organization
Phil Riebel
UPM – Kymmene
France Tartaix
Natural Resources Canada
Pierre Rioux
Town of Quispamsis
Gabriele Kretzschmar
Big K Ranch
Shonna Blanchard Sunbury
George Dashner
NB Power
Susannah Banks
Geraldine Arsenault
Irving Eco-Center
Xiaolun Yi
NB Soil and Crop Improvement
Association
New Brunswick Lung Association
Gordon Dalzell
Saint-John Clean Air Coalition
Laurie Mills
Town of Hampton
Item I
Welcome
Item II
Agenda and Procedure
Eddie Oldfield
Climate Change Hub Director



Greetings and introductions
Guests have been invited to provide the committee with insight.
Overview of agenda and meeting procedure
Item III
Provincial Government Perspectives
Facilitator:
Marc Arsenault
Independent Power Systems
Darwin Curtis
NB Department of Energy
The Provincial Plan of Action has not been released yet and still has to be approved. But the government website
press releases on energy and environmental issues give hints of the direction the Provincial Plan will take.
The Department of Energy recently announced the creation of Efficiency New Brunswick and its targets for a
Renewable Energy Portfolio.
The Government is committed to reducing emissions.
Lesley Rogers
NB Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency
The creation of the NB Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency was announced on Oct 13, 2005. The agency’s
creation is the fulfillment of the NB Energy White Paper.
Currently the agency waits to be claimed as a crown corporation on March 31. It has an operational business plan
that has been blessed by government, but its contents are still internal. The agency is working to establish a board of
directors and is looking to form partners.
Energy Efficiency is the central theme to this agency’s broad mandate. The agency’s main purpose is to help the
people of New Brunswick make better energy choices and to lesson their impact on the environment.
NB Energy Efficiency and Conservation works with diverse stakeholders, targeting single families, seniors, building
owners, and small business operators. The agency hopes to eventually move into partnerships with the industrial
sector.
Strategic Considerations: There is a market preference for electric space heating. The agency is based on the
Efficiency Vermont Model, and will promote switching from electric space heating to alternative power and heating
sources.
There are several challenges that the agency is faced with including increasing public awareness, the competing
demands of resources, and demonstrating credible opportunities for consumers and business.
Areas of Focus: Public Education and Communications, small and medium business programs, residential programsdemonstrates basic changes that people can make in their home.
Homes Energy Efficiency Upgrades Program
The first program was launched on Feb 13, 2006. The agency hopes to boost programs by partnering.
To the public, the agency offers financial incentives for people to reduce consumption such as $50 EnerGuide
evaluation coupons and audits.
Future programs of NB Energy Efficiency and Conservation include a New Homes program, which will promote
nonelectric heating, a multi-unit residential program, and campaigns for energy efficient products that are attractive
to average consumers.
Question Period
Brent Crowhurst
Q. Does the agency plan to partner with NGOs that have been doing this type of work for years?
A. Yes we are willing.
Q. Will you be looking at the delivery of energy efficient technology to individuals?
A. Our job is to induce people to change their behavior.
John Castell
Comment: I’m interested in working with you to set up a seminar in Charlotte County.
Response: Our agency is open to all partnerships, and we will explore working with regional groups and
associations.
Eric Tusz-King
Q. Will you focus on working with groups like municipalities, universities and churches?
A. NB Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency will work to do all of this over time. Right now we have a
limited resource base.
Dean Mundee
NB Department of Environment
The Conference of New England Governors and East Canada Premiers
Out of this conference came a Climate Change Action Plan where the foundation was laid to meet the 2010
emissions target.
Climate Change is important in a regional context: Our area is one of the world’s largest emissions contributors.
Atlantic Canada and the North Eastern states recognize that a significant contribution must be made for change.
Provinces and states are to prioritize based on their own financial capabilities and mandates.
The Council had made several small accomplishments including partnering with universities and municipalities,
setting groundwork to target bigger issues.
Main focus: Electricity and Transportation
Some points made:
Data management, systems and protocols are being developed and will enhance inventory.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), being used in New York, has set up policy to target greenhouse gas
emissions.
There is a need for government effort and collaboration through the federal and provincial governments of Canada
and the United States. These bodies must advocate the promotion of public awareness and jurisdiction action plans
to achieve greenhouse gas reductions.
www.neg-ecp-environment.org
Visit this website and give your comments.
Governors will examine the commentary at their discussion in the spring. A second conference is to be held next
winter for further discussion of actions.
Question Period
Q. Will New Brunswick aim to meet the NEG ECP target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by
the year 2010?
A. Regionally, yes.
Item IV
Municipal Government Perspectives
Facilitator:
Alison Howells
NB Lung Association
Chris MacPherson
City of Fredericton
Fredericton has been committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for five years.
The city of Fredericton has not done everything possible, but it has made a few accomplishments.
As a municipality, the city has five milestones to make. Fredericton has just completed Milestone Two.
Solid Waste
Fredericton has a composting program where the city produces its own topsoil. The city recycling program is only
targeting 15 percent of wastes; the city needs to work more in this area
Water Waste
The city hasn’t made water conservation a priority and aims to do so in the future.
Energy Efficiency
The City of Fredericton recently took on a pilot project where it bought hybrid cars for municipal use and is looking
into using biodiesel with its fleet. When buying new vehicles, the city now considers mileage over cost.
The city invested in LED traffic signals for approximately 65 intersections, saving the city 80 percent on energy
bills. Now Fredericton is working with NB Power to tentatively eliminate streetlights and reduce wattages.
With buildings that have been renovated, the city is saving money. Staff has commented that the buildings are more
comfortable. The city is switching to LCD computer monitors for its offices.
Fredericton is working with other cities (i.e. New England states, Thailand exchanges)
The city’s goal is to achieve a 20 percent reduction in all sectors.
John Castell
Town of St. Andrews
A Small Municipality Perspective
St. Andrews joined the Partners for Climate Protection in June 2004.
St. Andrews held a community dialogue in March 2005, which concluded with 59 recommendations. The town
followed the dialogue with a community survey, where residents prioritized the top ten environmental issues that
they wanted to solve. The community met for a second dialogue and formed resolutions.
The town has taken several actions including renovations to the arena, formation of a Green Action Committee,
Home EnerGuide evaluations, promotion of back yard composting, town spring and fall leaf composting, a recycling
program, and green space protection which promotes walking trails and encourages cycling.
Planned activities include a municipal building and energy audit and alternative energy encouragement.
The Town of St. Andrews has many ambitious plans and continues to demonstrate leadership in improving its
community’s air and health.
Adam Merril
Partners for Climate Protection (PCP)
Activities from past year:
Over this year PCP found many different situations amongst its partner communities- some were on track, others
needed more organization.
Bouctouche
PCP helped to develop New Brunswick’s first green municipal plan.
Quispamisis
The community of Quispamisis has established an environment committee and is now ready to achieve Milestone
Three.
PCP is partnered with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The Climate Change Hub has recently been
appointed as regional facilitator.
PCP hopes to set up relations with EOS Eco Energy.
Item V
Energy and Industry Perspectives
Facilitator:
Dave Besner
AMEC
Carol Sharpe
Enbridge Gas New Brunswick
Enbridge Gas is currently in eight communities in the province and is continually expanding.
Natural gas is clean burning, releasing few greenhouse gases, and therefore beneficial to the environment.
Conversion to natural gas will result in substantial energy reductions, saving over 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse
gases from the environment each year.
Enbridge Gas has partnered with Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and Environment Canada.
The company is currently working on a housing project in New Brunswick in collaboration with the provincial
government.
Enbridge’s equipment is energy efficient, receiving energy star ratings.
George Dashner
NB Power
Within the last 12 months, NB Power has adopted a renewable resources standard.
Currently, the company is in a contract with Eastern Wind and working in Charlotte County.
NB Power is undergoing evaluation proposals for more wind turbines.
There is a growing public interest in energy efficiency. NB Power constantly receives phone calls for inquiries about
wind turbines and solar energy. If people want to convert, NB Power gives information and often refers them to the
Falls Brook Centre, which operates under solar and wind energy. NB Power tells its clients to use less energy if they
want to conserve.
Eric Tusz-King
EOS Eco- Energy
EOS Eco- Energy is a community-based organization that has partnered four municipalities and first nations peoples
in South East New Brunswick. The organization is multisectoral, targeting municipalities, universities, churches and
other community groups.
The organization’s goal is to make South East New Brunswick an energy sustainable region, meaning that the
population will only consume the energy that they can produce. This is attainable as there is great potential for wind
and solar power in the area and little heavy industry activity.
EOS Eco- Energy works with groups by offering opportunities for local investment. For example, the “Renew Coop
Investment” allows local people to invest in energy projects. (140 members).
Ongoing actions of EOS Eco- Energy include educational programs, and solar home building workshops. Through
its workshops, EOS Eco- Energy trained trades people and formed a company of eight people committed to building
energy efficient homes.
Fighting climate change needs to be good for the community, the climate and the economy.
EOS Eco- Energy wants to make a joint proposal for its four municipalities to join the Partners for Climate
Protection.
Mark Arsenault
Independent Power Systems
Independent Power Systems works with solar power and wind power (small turbines) to make homes and
commercial buildings more energy efficient.
Since space and water heating comprise a large sector of Atlantic Canada’s consumption, one of Independent
Power’s main focuses is on solar heating. The company installs solar water heating for residences and pools, and
residential solar heating systems.
Independent Power Systems promotes public incentives. 60-80 percent of the company’s clientele has received
government funding for their renovations.
In the initial stages of construction, one should think about energy efficiency.
Question Period
John Castell
Q. Are any of the houses that you worked on available for the public to view as demonstrations?
A. Yes, many of my clients welcome phone calls and are open to having people look at their renovations. In fact, I
recently worked on a home in the St. Andrews area.
Q. Are the WPPI and RPPI incentives actually available to normal people?
A.WPPI are not, but the RPPI are.
Phil Riebel
UPM- Kymmene Inc.
UPM-Kymmene Inc. in the fifth largest producer of paper, operating in 15 countries.
The company scored top in the industry for environmental reporting.
Although the company has obtained high-energy efficiency in modern mills, its fossil fuel consumption and carbon
dioxide levels still need to decrease.
UPM- Kymmene Inc. looks to the future by establishing a long-term commitment to increase its share of biofuels.
The company plans to investment further in fuels that reduce emissions. Finland facilities have already reached this
goal, as they operate below 1990 levels.
Question Period
Enerst MacGillivray
Q. What is your company’s impact on sustainable forestry? How do you use biomass from the forest floor?
A. UPM harnesses biomass energy from forest residues and wood chip waste.
Patricia MacMillan
RST Industries
RST Industries is a tank and flatbed transportation service company.
RST Industries has worked directly with drivers to raise environmental awareness. The company has created a fuel
management program and an idling time policy. Drivers have been encouraged to install bunk heaters.
Communication has been increased through fuel trade shows, vehicle reports and tractor inspection sheets.
Involvement in fuel management training has helped drivers to learn how to reduce their fuel consumption
practically.
RST Industries promotes Sigma Methodology- a multi-faceted approach to process improvement.
With the measures that the company has taken, RST Industries look forward to seeing a significant reduction in their
emissions next year. They have already seen a significant reduction in idle time since 2003.
Recently the company received the “Repair our Air 2005 Fleet Challenge” award.
Question Period
Q. How open are all of the results on emissions improvements?
A. The results of our company’s attempts to reduce emissions will be made open and available.
Shonna Blanchard
Sunbury Transport
Sunbury Transport has taken initiative in promoting environmental consciousness amongst its drivers.
The company uses education to target idlers and has set up an interactive website where drivers can see where they
rate amongst the rest of the fleet with regards to reducing emissions.
Sunbury Transport was recently awarded with the “Repair our Air 2005 Fleet Challenge.”
An ongoing challenge is to increase awareness amongst employees.
Item VI
Break for Lunch
Item VII
Impacts and Adaptation
Facilitator:
Eddie Oldfield
NB Climate Change Hub
Eddie Oldfield
NB Climate Change Hub
Impacts of Climate Change
Worldwide impacts:
Reports show trends of severe weather events, lowered freshwater levels, longer and more intense heat waves,
droughts, sea level rise, spread of infectious diseases, and increased health affects.
In Northern Canada the Arctic ice has receded, affecting northern communities and animal patterns
In Eastern Canada climate change is connected to the flooding of the St John River and Maritime storm surges.
There has been increased intensity of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico
Health Effects
High temperatures led to mortality in Paris (2003- 20,000 die in heat wave in Europe- WHO)
Increased carbon dioxide concentration is in step with rising temperatures.
Direct impacts of climate change on New Brunswick include changes in precipitation and temperature, sea level
rise, and affects on forestry, fisheries and agriculture. Climate change will contribute to the increased cost of fuel
energy leading to an increased cost of living. High temperatures and spread of diseases will put increased demand on
the public health system
Question Period
Phil Riebel
Q. How will the Acadian forest be affected due to climate change?
A. The Acadian forest is expected to undergo changes in its growth patterns, for example some species may shift
farther north.
Geraldine Arsenault
Irving Eco-Centre
The Irving Eco- Centre has been impacted by climate change as it has experienced changes in its coastline, frequent
storm events, a rising sea level and accelerated coastal erosion.
Ex. The Bouctouche Dune
July 1997: the boardwalk was 20m from the shoreline
1999: Significant amount of coastal erosion
2004: Successive storm events since 2000 led to drastic erosion, the boardwalk had been damaged and
several times
rebuilt
As a major tourist attraction, the Irving Eco-Centre plays an economic role in the region. They must decide how to
adapt to the new weather processes.
Question Period
Darwin Curtis
Q. I’m assuming that you will let nature take its course, if the Bouctouche Dune is whipped away?
A. Yes, we cannot compete with nature. This is a very complex issue as the dune affects other groups. For example
local oyster fishermen have been putting pressure on us as the dune provides shelter to their fisheries.
Ernest MacGillivray
Emergency Measures Organization
Emergency management is a science, and a discipline.
The biggest challenge to the Emergency Measures Organization is to communicate risk and to assess impact
severity. There is a need for evidence-based policies to empower the public, government and business.
Currently, there is no national mitigation plan and no hazard assessment for New Brunswick. There is an obvious
need for mitigation and preparedness.
With the changing environment comes a diversity of threats, risks, and hazards
Public expectations
Today, people are not as self sufficient as past generations i.e.: Katrina disaster.
People need to learn to take action for themselves instead of relying on government for intervention. Public policy
needs to be reformed.
As infectious diseases become a severe threat, populations with suppressed immune systems, such as Africa, face
struggles.
National Security Policy and National Governance
There are no strategic governmental plans for a pandemic. More attention needs to be paid to risk assessment with a
focus on our vulnerable populations, such as First Nations peoples.
Adaptation.
There is a need for more research, holistic education, hazard and risk assessments, evidence based mitigation
activities, legislation and regulation of activities.
The Emergency Measures Organization’s strategy to become prepared involves regional emergency programs, risk
and hazard mapping, resilient communities, public education and warning.
In order to be successful, organizations should have a broad base. They must collaborate and work in partnerships in
order to gets results.
An example of such a partnership is the relationship between the Emergency Measures Organization and the NB
Lung Association and Climate Change Hub. This connection has resulted in EMO initiating a flood risk-mapping
project at Eddie’s suggestion and the Lung Association scoring a large international contract. Such outcomes would
not be possible if the two organizations did not work together.
Question Period
Q. What is the biggest challenge to ensuring emergency measures are taken?
A. Resources are a challenge: there is a lot of moral support but not a lot of money. Another huge challenge is
education; insuring people are informed of risks and what they need to do to protect themselves.
Eddie Oldfield
Q. Is New Brunswick ready to cope with a changing climate?
A. I don’t think we are ready. However, we are not as vulnerable as some populations. For example with the ice
storms of 1998, urban residents in Ontario and Quebec were devastated. For New Brunswickers, who commonly use
wood burning stoves, such a disaster would not carry such a huge affect.
Susannah Banks
Soil and Crop Improvement Association
The Soil and Crop Improvement Association is a non-profit group that represents farmers. The Association engages
in research, and seeks to educate industry and the public.
Impacts of Climate Change
Severe weather changes have lead to crop damage, erosion, changing weather patterns, drought and unexpected
frost, loss of snow cover, and new pests and weeds. UV radiation is causing stress to crops and animals.
Loss of knowledge
Unpredictable weather has cased changes in seasons, leaving farmers unable to predict when they should plant their
crops.
Increased drought will lead to a greater need for irrigation, which is not practical for this region.
Adaptation Issues
There is a lack of knowledge about the implications of climate change for this region as most research is done in
Western Canada and is irrelevant to Maritime soils and common technology.
There is a lack of funding incentives for agriculturalists and a lack of net income held by farmers to implement
improvements and adaptations.
Current research being undertaken involves working with reduced tillage crops.
The Soil and Crop Improvement Association is a part of greenhouse gas mitigation and has taken on climate change
initiatives. Currently, the association is examining nitrogen management. Recently, the Association put out new
nutrient recommendations and is looking to update old-fashioned fertilization recommendations.
The Soil and Crop Improvement Association wishes to promote energy conservation, but finds that in many cases
alternative energy is currently not cost effective for farmers.
Question Period
Q. Are these challenges relevant to the other Maritime Provinces?
A. Yes, the challenges faced by New Brunswick farmers are relevant to agriculturalists in the region.
Eddie Oldfield
Q. There has been less snow this year, how will this affect crops? What are the economic costs?
A. The unpredictable weather shifts has caused crop damage. For example alfalfa growers will have to reseed. Crop
failure or having to reseed results in huge economic costs to farmers.
Item VIII
Climate Change, Air Quality and Health
Facilitator:
Eddie Oldfield
NB Climate Change Hub
Anne Warburton
Environment Canada
There are several different options for a home heating system- one must consider the different variables that come
into play and the consequences of each option.
Electric Heat
The worst option as it releases the greatest number of greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric Ground Source Heat Pump
Produces one half of the emissions of electric heat.
Green Powered Ground Source Heat Pump
A relatively efficient option. However, possible minor leaks are a source of potent greenhouse gases.
Oil furnace
Oil cannot be exploited sustainably and the consumer is subject to invariable market prices. Potential leaks and spills
are risky.
Natural Gas
Cannot be exploited sustainably.
Wood
Least desirable in terms of air quality. However wood can be exploited sustainably and consumers are usually
supporting their local economy through purchases of wood supplies. In the case of power outages, users are not
affected.
Solar energy / Energy Conservation
The greenest, most environmentally sound option that releases no greenhouse gas emissions.
Kenneth Maybee
NB Lung Association
Moving Forward on Climate Change: Working within Government Policies and Goals
The NB Lung Association monitors politicians, paying attention to their platforms and promises. The Association
also watches industry, observing how players plan to advance.
According to policy statements, the government planned to put a clean air act in place. However, interest in clean air
is not a main concern to the new government. Environmental issues are not listed in the Conservative Government’s
top five priorities.
The Prime Minister will likely reject the Kyoto Protocol. Instead, Environment Minister Rona Ambrose has been
advocating a “Made-in-Canada Plan.”
It appears that the environment is an area where responsible people need to intersect.
The New Brunswick Department of Environment has set the goal to have the lowest rate of emissions in Canada
within five years- this is positive.
One must take steps of mitigation and adaptation.
One cannot look at climate change, human health and air quality in isolation. Maybee suggests putting human
health as a first priority.
Impacts
Clean air will improve health, saving health care dollars, improving the economic conditions of New Brunswick.
Organizations need to work together and look to government bodies
Barb MacKinnon
International Centre for Air Quality and Health
Climate change and air quality are linked as both are caused, in part, by burning fossil fuels.
Burning fossil fuels leads to climate change, resulting in increased temperatures. Increased temperatures will induce
people to use air conditions, causing even more pollution. Changes in temperatures, precipitation and wind patterns
lead to more pollen and moulds, forest fires, more hot days and smog.
Through mitigation one will start to get co benefits.
Most changes will improve air quality: Energy efficiency and fuel switching will lead directly to climate change
improvements.
A study done on Canadian cities shows that heat and smog are fatal. Heat related deaths are expected to dramatically
increase.
Residential wood burning in Canada results in particulate pollution
The solutions are linked: Reduce fossil fuels; reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants and improve human health
Item X
Break
Item XI
NGO Public Education and Outreach
Brent Crowhurst
Falls Brook Centre
The Falls Brook Centre is a community-based, sustainable education and training centre. It lives and demonstrates
the sustainable way to the future.
The Centre promotes organic agriculture and has provided free greenhouse gas audits to farmers.
It is currently developing a program to analyze food miles.
Sustainable forestry is a mandate. The Centre has set up the Acadian Forest Restoration Nursery and has also
fostered a Forest Stewardship Program that promotes alternatives to using the forest for raw materials.
The Falls Brook education program offers diverse resources and opportunities for students including global
exchanges and a Children’s Parliament. International internships provide young graduates with experience. This
year, the Centre offers up to 18 internships where students will be working in places such as Germany, Denmark,
Mexico and Honduras.
The Renewable Energy Program, through education and outreach, encourages people to cut their energy use in half.
The centre is engaged in community development and has organized several wind projects. The Centre offers
demonstrations and workshops.
The Centre’s blue Climate Change bus runs on bio diesel and holds interactive displays that run completely on
renewable energy. This bus serves a strong tool for children and families.
The Centre’s Bio Diesel facility is currently working on a feasibility study of the economic benefits of using waste
oil as a resource. Humpty Dumpty is interested in the workings of this project.
The Falls Brook Centre was the first to initiate net metering in New Brunswick, where extra energy is fed out into
grid. Currently, the Centre is working with UNB to develop further wind energy initiatives.
Falls Brook wants to increase their capacity to deliver workshops. The Centre hopes to further relations with UNB
and community colleges.
Falls Brook holds national partnerships with the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance and Canada’s Sustainability
Centres
The Centre desires stable funding for the Climate Change Bus, as its funding from the One Tonne Challenge will
likely dissolve. The Centre seeks government support.
The Centre advocates policies and programs that promote alternative energy, such as standard offer contracts and
feed-in tariffs.
Falls Brook wants to see a clear and long-term policy roadmap for renewable energy in New Brunswick.
Gordon Dalzell
Saint John Clean Air Coalition
The Saint John Clean Air Coalition is a community based public interest group that deals with air quality issues.
Despite best efforts, the Coalition has not achieved as much as it would like to in terms of outreach and education.
The Coalition feels that there has not been enough promotion on the link between health and climate change.
The Coalition has hosted a number of workshops, spoken with schools, and tried to influence pubic policy in St John
with its anti-idling program.
Behavioral change does not come easy. Often a crisis causes personal impact, which causes individuals to change.
Climate change is a coming crisis.
Society needs help, encouragement and leadership.
Item IX
One Tonne Challenge and Community Outreach Programs
France Tartaix
Natural Resources Canada
The One Tonne Challenge, a campaign based on partnerships with the wide public, began in March 2004 and is
mandated to run until the end of March 2006. It is uncertain if the One Tonne Challenge will be renewed.
At this point Natural Resources Canada is pushing to continue, but the future is uncertain
Item XII
Hub Stakeholder Discussion
Facilitator:
Eddie Oldfield
NB Climate Change Hub
Ernest MacGillivray
It may be discouraging not to see climate change as a government priority but this is not necessarily a bad thing. This is an
opportunity to take action and perform. In times of disappointment it is important to keep on a drive.
Adam Merrill
I am really happy to finally put faces to the emails. For me, these past few months have been occupied with learning the new
material and becoming familiar with the issues. I want to educate myself and learn more.
Eddie Oldfield
Thank you Adam for the help that you gave to the Hub over the past eight months. You have acted as a great information
source and organizer.
Laurie Mills
From this meeting new impressions are forming. In Hampton the big issue has been publicity. When we work together we
can accomplish a lot.
Patricia MacMillan
We must make it a priority to communicate the issues to all of the sectors.
Eric Tusz- King
We need more federal and provincial policy around energy and conservation. For example we need stricter building codes if
we are to reduce greenhouse gases.
John Castell
Whether the federal government sees the protection of the environment as an issue or not, it will affect our children and us.
We need to share information, communicate, share ideas and keep the public pressure. We need to be leaders in our world.
I'm getting more and more converted; this is like a religion!
Brent Crowhurst
I had the chance to meet with the local MP. Although we disagreed on a lot of things, we were able to come up with some
positive ideas. Policy needs to be addressed that will make renewable energy a priority.
Brenda Kelly
In Bathurst we have used incentives to gain public involvement. For example we organized a solar grant pilot project, the
first of its kind in Eastern Canada. Currently, we are hoping that the public transport system in the community will improve.
We have major concerns over the budget and need cooperation with the government. These uncertainties are affecting local
people.
John Castell
Q. Please tell me more about the transit program.
A. Bathurst wants to go forward next year with implementation of a permanent transit system. But we are stopped
because $60,000 cannot be confirmed. We need find federal funding to support the transit line.
Greg Leblanc
As a student, I feel that education needs to be a focus. I learned a lot today and I think that others would too. Inform people
and encourage them to push farther.
Anne Warburton
Environment Canada can’t do a better job of teaching people about mitigation, but we can promote big projects. I feel that
there should be more research into geoenergy storage. It is time for innovation. As an individual, I am very interested in
energy poverty. There needs to be more attention given to energy programs for low-income people.
Heather Quinn
I want to see more information flow to us [NB Department of Energy]. I didn’t know that there were so many energy
policies that were a problem.
Jim Knight
We knew that with regulations on greenhouse gas emitters a new economic reality was going to set in. But, this has come to a
screeching halt with the change in government. This is an opportunity to look to other things. There are still programs
available for municipalities and individuals to take action such as gasoline tax rebate agreements.
Dean Mundee
Years ago, I remember hearing the pitch about having the idea of a climate change hub affiliated with the Lung Association.
The basic principles that were articulated then have been met and you have gone way ahead. I want to see a review of those
basic principles; do what you do best more. Focus and clarify the message. Keep it simple for the people who are receiving
it. You have the capacity to do great things.
Carol Sharpe
I would echo the response of Dean and expand on Anne’s comment. For normal people fuel switching can be a costly option.
I encourage the promotion of centralized heating systems that give people a fuel use option.
Susannah Banks
With the agriculture industry, there is the challenge of being spread out and not being able to take advantage of centralized
systems. My organization is waiting to find out if we have continued funding due to the change in government. We will
continue to encourage farmers to implement sustainable practices.
Shonna Blanchard
This forum has been a great opportunity to be introduced to new initiatives and ideas that we can take back to our fleet. I
believe that each individual can make a change.
Janet Johnson
This session has been very informative. I feel that one of the biggest challenges in fighting emissions in my company is
education.
Alison Howells
Thank you Eddie I was really impressed with the meeting. I would love to see a focus on innovation and on low-income
houses. We should take initiatives to show some of the little things that people can do to make improvements.
Arthur Thomson
There needs to be a focus on communication and outreach. Most people have heard about climate change but aren’t sure
what to do about it. Once Adam Merrill and I made a presentation on climate change at a meeting of the Lions Club. The men
started to get bored when we talked about the issues using overheads and graphs. Then we put on a Rick Mercer video where
he talks about climate change wearing a sheep costume; they loved it. We need to work on our outreach and use the proper
educational tools that will captivate our audience.
Gordon Dalzell
We will continue to work with the community in St John. I suggest that organizations take every opportunity to take part in
policy to create change. People do listen to presentations and they do pay off. We need to work to target the big industrial
emitters.
Barb MacKinnon
It has been our pleasure to host the hub for these past five years. On behalf of the Lung Association, I want to thank you for
attending this meeting. We value your participation; you are an integral part of the hub. There cannot be a hub without all of
you. I don’t know what will happen with the change in the government, but I believe something will go forward.
Eddie Olfield
That concludes our meeting today.
I am happy to share any of the results of our work with you.
Meeting ended at 3:45 pm