Green Ribbon Panel formed to advance solutions to fight climate change and grow the economy

A collection of environmental and economic leaders from across Canada have established the 2020 Green Ribbon Panel to advance practical and executable solutions enabling the economy to continue to grow and prosper while addressing the realities of climate change using proven solutions.

The Panel will focus on the role nuclear with other technologies that anchor Canada’s energy sector can play in fighting climate change and growing the economy at home and abroad. The Panel, which will issue a report on its findings later this year, will evaluate successful and unsuccessful initiatives from around the world, Canadian lessons including the phase-out of coal in Ontario, and integrate new data on the impact of electrification and climate change and hydrogen.

The Panel will conduct outreach and research activities to contribute to the Report and develop public policy recommendations for all levels of government on real solutions to fight climate change. The Panel will consist of:

· James Scongack, Bruce Power – Chair
· Christopher Hilkene, Pollution Probe
· Steve McCauley, Pollution Probe
· Rocco Rossi, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
· Ashley Challinor, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
· Vanessa Foran, Asthma Canada
· Dennis Darby, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
· Mark Fisher, Council of the Great Lakes Region
· Cara Clairman, Plug’n Drive
· Bruce Wallace, Nuclear Innovation Institute

“The 2020 Green Ribbon Panel has been created to mobilize business and civic leaders in the climate advocacy space to have a forum for sharing ideas, lessons and best practices, and ultimately produce a report with recommendations that can be delivered to government,” said Scongack, the Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Operational Services at Bruce Power. “Now that we sit in 2020, we only have a decade until 2030 and it’s time to focus on what works, what doesn’t and what we can agree on to grow the economy and fight climate change. That’s what leadership is all about – having the participation of people representing their respective organizations is a crucial first step to working together and seeking solutions.”

QUOTES FROM GREEN RIBBON PANEL PARTICIPANTS

“Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing society and electrification is one of the solutions, especially in Ontario where the electricity grid is already very low in GHG emissions. It is critical that industry and civil society work together to ensure we move towards these solutions in the most effective and timely way.“ – Cara Clairman

Long-term planning with a mix of non GHG-emitting sources, including nuclear power, sets up Canada for success by allowing us to invest in innovation for the new clean-growth industry and drive clean transportation. Ontario undertook a multi-year effort when it decided to phase out coal, a decision that not only reduced the average Ontarian’s environmental footprint, but also resulted in an economic benefit to the province. It is critical for other provinces and jurisdictions to follow Ontario’s lead and embrace the full spectrum of non GHG-emitting sources as an integral piece of the climate change puzzle.” – Christopher Hilkene

“Our vision at Asthma Canada is a future without asthma. We strongly believe that clean air does not need to come at the expense of the economy and jobs, which is why we support this Green Ribbon Panel. We are forming a coalition of thought leaders focused on combating climate change and ensuring Canadians have cleaner air to breath for generations to come.” – Vanessa Foran

“Pragmatic solutions that will enable our economy to prosper will be critical to addressing our collective climate change goals. As the indispensable partner of business, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is proud to come together with business and civic leaders to advance evidence-based recommendations on climate change through the 2020 Green Ribbon Panel. One thing is certain: nuclear power will continue to play a key role in supporting economic growth and helping to reduce emissions as Ontario’s energy demand continues to grow.” – Rocco Rossi

“The 107 million Canadians and Americans who call the binational Great Lakes economic region home are deeply concerned about the ability to respond to climate change and other environmental pressures while growing the economy and improving their individual prosperity and well-being. The Green Ribbon Panel was formed because we collectively believe that a clean environment and a strong economy can go hand in hand, and we’re committed to working together and with government, academia, industry, and the non-profit sector to create the collaborations, as well as the sustainable solutions and investments, that will move us forward.” – Mark Fisher

“Energy policy has considerable downstream effects on the province’s economy. As such, decisions must encourage investment, job creation and economic growth across the province. This country and Ontario

once used energy policy to drive economic growth because of the broad and positive social benefits that businesses and jobs provide. Manufacturing companies and Industries are ready and willing to do their part to combat climate change and know that it can come without having to sacrifice their business models and economic prosperity. “– Dennis Darby