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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