Question Period Note: Supporting Communities Impacted by the Phase-out of Coal-Fired Electricity Generation

Supporting Communities Impacted by the Phase-out of Coal-Fired Electricity Generation

• The Government of Canada’s priority is supporting workers, families, and communities as Canada transitions towards a cleaner energy economy.
• As we fight climate change and build a low-carbon economy, this government is committed to creating new economic opportunities, and ensuring that no worker is left behind.
• That is why as coal-fired electricity is phased out by 2030, Prairies Economic Development Canada is helping coal communities and families by delivering the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) and the Canada Coal Transition Initiative-Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF).
• PrairiesCan has actively supported 34 projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan under the CCTI for $20 million and seven projects under the CCTI-IF for $31.9 million. More investments are coming.

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If pressed on coal mines and use in western Canada:
* PrairiesCan investments are helping coal-impacted communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan diversify their economies by attracting new investors, enhancing existing opportunities, and creating new jobs.
* We know that these communities are most affected because thermal coal in western Canada is almost always used for local electrical generation, and the mines that produce thermal coal are co-located with these generating stations, most often in rural areas.
* Our focus is on helping the people directly affected by the phase-out of eight generating stations and six thermal coal mines in six regions of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Our support means new possibilities to capitalize on local strengths to ensure no one is left behind.
If pressed on Budget Investments:
* Moving to a low-carbon economy is good for the environment, good for the economy, and will benefit all Canadians.
* It is because we recognize the impact that transitioning to a green economy has on communities and workers in Alberta and Saskatchewan that Budget 2018 provided $25 million to PrairiesCan to support workers and communities. Budget 2019 provided an extra $105 million to support infrastructure investments in these communities.