WWF-Canada statement on the creation of a government taskforce to reduce diesel fuel use in remote communities

Toronto, July 22, 2015 – On July 21, during the Energy and Mines Ministers Conference in Halifax, NS, provincial government representatives announced an agreement to reduce the use of diesel fuel to generate electricity in remote communities. The provinces of Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario, along with the Northwest Territories and Yukon have created a taskforce to report on efforts that have already been made or are currently underway, and make recommendations on next steps for reducing diesel fuel consumption. 

Over the next five years, WWF-Canada will begin working with remote communities in Canada’s North—where diesel fuel is the primary energy source—to build capacity for low-impact renewable energy, such as wind, solar and hydropower. The following is a statement from Paul Crowley, Vice-President Arctic for WWF-Canada on the announcement of this provincial/territorial taskforce:

“WWF-Canada welcomes the creation of a provincial/territorial taskforce to find ways to reduce diesel fuel consumption in remote communities. As primary energy source for Arctic communities, the reliance on diesel fuel in Canada’s North has negative environmental impacts, high logistical and financial costs, and hinders the self-sufficiency of northern communities. We look forward to the taskforce report and recommendations on the way forward for this important issue.”

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For further information contact

Megan Nesseth, Communications Specialist – Arctic, WWF-Canada
[email protected]
(416) 904-2482