Ontario Lauded As North American Wind Power Leader

 
 

June 24, 2009 3:27 PM

McGuinty Government Receives International Green Energy Award

Ontario was hailed as North America's wind energy leader today at an international conference in Korea, where George Smitherman, Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, accepted the 2009 World Wind Energy Award.

The World Wind Energy Association presented its annual award to Minister Smitherman for his "outstanding achievements in making Ontario the leading wind energy jurisdiction in North America." The international association also recognized the Minister's role in championing Ontario's Green Energy and Green Economy Act, calling the recently adopted legislation a decisive step toward establishing a strong domestic wind industry in the province and making it a worldwide green leader.

The World Wind Energy Award has been handed out annually since 2002 to international leaders who have made extraordinary contributions in the development of wind energy worldwide. Minister Smitherman is the first Canadian recipient of the award. He joins past recipients from Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, Germany and India.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Ontario is the leading wind capacity jurisdiction in Canada, with almost 1,000 megawatts of wind capacity, equivalent to the consumption of about a quarter of a million average Ontario households.
  • Ontario's Green Energy Act is expected to create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of 2012, and see the investment of at least $5 billion in infrastructure and expenditure on renewable generation and conservation.

CONTACTS

  • Anne Smith
    Communications Branch
    416-327-7226
    Anne.L.Smith@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Energy
ontario.ca/energy


 
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"Ontario has worked very hard to become a leader in the use of clean, renewable wind power. By supporting innovative green energy programs, we're attracting investment, creating jobs and securing a healthier future for all Ontarians."

 – Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario

"The first major event I spoke at as Ontario's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure was before this group last year, at the 2008 World Wind Energy Conference. I said then that Ontario was poised to move quickly to make a difference in greening our society and I am pleased to say that today - one year later - we are well on our way."

 – George Smitherman
Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

"Under your political responsibility and leadership in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Green Energy and Green Economy Act was initiated and adopted as a decisive step in establishing a strong domestic wind industry in Ontario and making the province a green leader in North America and worldwide."

 – Dr. Anil Kane, President
World Wind Energy Association

 
 
 
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