NRTEE - 2005-2006 Estimates: Part III - Report on Plans and Priorities

SECTION I - OVERVIEW - Message from the Executive Director

The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) was created in 1994 to promote sustainable development. Through the provision of information and advice, it assists federal departments, ministers and parliamentarians in their decision making, as well as influencing opinion leaders in other key sectors.

Through targetted analysis, the NRTEE articulates important problems and challenges in the complex interconnections between Canada's environment and economy, and assesses how policy tools can best be used to benefit the economy while protecting the environment and maintaining our natural capital.

Over the past 10 years, the NRTEE has nurtured a depth and breadth of expertise, integrating the views of stakeholders across the country in many key sectors, establishing a reputation for working effectively in highly contentious areas and providing credible, balanced advice that decision makers in government and industry can trust.

At the same time there has been a steady advance in the federal government's efforts to incorporate sustainability objectives into policy and decision making. With the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol, the Government of Canada has requested the NRTEE's advice and recommendations in the development of a long-term energy and climate change strategy for Canada. In support of this mandate, the Prime Minister announced on February 16, 2005 the appointment of 12 new members and Chair to the NRTEE. While the details and implications of these changes cannot be elaborated at the time of this writing, it is clear that this will be the primary focus for the NRTEE in the coming period.

In 2005, the NRTEE will also release reports in three areas. One report is on how fiscal policy can reduce energy-based carbon emissions without increasing other pollutants, while at the same time maintaining opportunities for existing energy sources and uses. Another report tackles the issue of how Canada's capital markets can better support and stimulate sustainable, responsible environmental activities. A third report makes recommendations on regulatory and fiscal reforms to preserve natural capital and promote sustainable development of one of the world's three great forest ecosystems, Canada's boreal forest, which spans a third of this country's total land area.

The NRTEE is ready to help the federal government face the sustainable development challenge head-on in 2005, and looks forward to playing a part in the promotion of economic prosperity and the preservation of the environment for future generations.

________________________
Eugene Nyberg
Acting Executive Director and
Chief Executive Officer

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