Environmental Groups Release Recommendations for 2007 Budget

The Green Budget Coalition, comprising 20 of Canada?s leading environmental and conservation organizations, today issued its five overriding recommendations for the 2007 federal budget.

“Our five recommendations would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean our air and water, protect Canadians? health, and preserve our world-famous nature, while also stimulating economic growth and improving energy security “, said Julie Gelfand, Coalition Chair.
?These recommendations could thus play a prime role in achieving one of the objectives of the government?s new economic plan, Advantage Canada, which is to ?create a healthier environment and more sustainable economic growth, including through responsible use of our natural resources and effective use of technology.??
The five recommendations focus on:
1) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Commencing a Comprehensive Strategy
2) The Mackenzie Valley: Creating protected areas and land use plans before large-scale industrial development
3) Species At Risk Act: Fulfilling its Mandate
4) Canadian Environmental Protection Act: Strengthening Implementation
5) Oil Sands: Reducing an Expensive, Unnecessary Tax Advantage
Coalition members will be discussing these recommendations with Members of Parliament and government officials during a series of meetings on November 28th and 29th, 2006.