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Moving Towards a Green EconomyA Better Environment—A Stronger EconomyThe Government of Canada believes that a healthy and sustainable environment is an integral part of economic growth. Since balancing the budget in 1997–98, the Government has allocated more than $10 billion to enhance the quality of our land, air and water by addressing climate change, cleaning up contaminated sites, developing and enforcing environmental protection laws, and investing in environmental technologies. Budget 2005 builds on these substantial measures taken over the last few years to improve the environment and address climate change. It takes significant new steps forward on a number of different fronts. Budget 2005—Delivering on CommitmentsBudget 2005 delivers on the Government’s commitment to a green economy with a $5-billion package of measures over the next five years to support a sustainable environment by: 1 Addressing climate change by promoting reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and encouraging the development of environmental technologies. 2 Building on existing tax measures to encourage Canadian businesses to invest more in efficient and renewable energy generation. 3 Investing in public infrastructure to encourage more efficient use of energy as well as the remediation of brownfield sites.4 Protecting our natural environment, including the Great Lakes, oceans and national parks. 1 Addressing Climate ChangeThis budget makes significant investments aimed at reducing GHG emissions, and developing science and technology that will help build the framework for a comprehensive and sustainable response to the challenge of climate change. Specifically, this budget provides:
These initiatives will allow individuals, industry and governments to play an active role in addressing climate change. While helping curb Canada’s GHG emissions, the initiatives will promote Canadian technologies and innovation while opening the door to new economic opportunities.
2 Environmental Tax MeasuresThe tax system has encouraged investment by businesses in efficient and renewable energy generation equipment through an accelerated 30 per cent capital cost allowance rate.
Budget 2005 enhances this support by:
Enhanced incentives in this area will contribute to reduced GHG emissions, better air quality and a more diverse energy supply. The Government will consult on other opportunities to use the tax system to further environmental objectives. 3 Investing in Public InfrastructureBudget 2005 targets a series of infrastructure-related investments to achieve better environmental outcomes through two complementary streams: Sustainable Environment
Sustainable Communities
4 Protecting Our Natural EnvironmentCanadians are proud of the beauty and quality of their natural environment and want to protect this rich inheritance of land, water and biodiversity. Budget 2005 delivers on this commitment to the environment by providing:
Guiding Principles for Long-Term ProgressThe following principles guide the Government of Canada’s decisions in allocating funds for various environmental and climate change measures:Balance: Investments must balance the need for short-term action to protect our natural environment and long-term measures to spur change in public behaviour and business practices. Competitiveness: Environmentally sustainable economic growth is essential to Canada’s long-term international competitiveness, but the transition to a more sustainable economy must also weigh carefully the impact on the country’s short-term competitiveness. Partnership: To the greatest extent possible, investments should lever funds outside the Government of Canada and encourage responses from industry, citizens and other levels of government. Innovation: Investments should promote innovation and support new technologies that feed economic growth, create new opportunities and provide long-term improvements. Cost-effectiveness: Initiatives should achieve environmental benefits at the lowest possible cost.
How Can I Get More Information on Budget 2005?Information is available on the Internet at www.fin.gc.ca or by phoning: 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) You can also obtain copies of this brochure and other budget documents from the: Distribution Centre Phone: (613) 995-2855
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