Provinces Working Together to Create Jobs and Opportunities for Economic Growth

Ontario and Manitoba formally agreed today to work together to advance energy innovation, support clean, renewable power and promote economic development in both provinces.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Canadian Energy Innovation Summit. The agreement will enable Ontario and Manitoba to collaborate on growing the energy sector in a number of key areas, including conservation, efficiency, security and reliability.

Both provinces have an interest in maintaining a reliable, sustainable, and economically competitive supply of energy. This agreement will provide a framework for the provinces to build on their varied strengths, share expertise and grow their economies.

Manitoba and Ontario are collaborating in a number of areas. For instance, they are working on a plan to keep the Experimental Lakes Area operational over the long term.

By partnering together, we are building our knowledge economy to create jobs for today and tomorrow in Ontario and Manitoba.

QUICK FACTS

• Through the Council of the Federation, Canada’s Premiers are working on a Canadian Energy Strategy to support regional needs and address common energy challenges.
• Ontario’s electricity sector will be completely coal-free by the end of 2014. This is the single biggest climate change initiative in North America.
• Ontario is hosting the Canadian Energy Innovation Summit to provide a forum for developing partnerships that can leverage Ontario’s expertise and strengthen Canada’s ability to compete in international markets and create good jobs.
• Manitoba’s electricity is made from more than 98% clean, renewable sources.
• Manitoba’s Power Smart energy efficiency program has saved Manitoba families, firms, facilities and farms more than $900 million on their utility bills since it was launched.