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FINDING SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

OUR PROCESS

Our process helps Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.

RESEARCH

We rigorously research and conduct high quality analysis on issues of sustainable development. Our thinking is original and thought provoking.

CONVENE

We convene opinion leaders and experts from across Canada around our table to share their knowledge and diverse perspectives. We stimulate debate and integrate polarities. We create a context for possibilities to emerge.

ADVISE

We generate ideas and provide realistic solutions to advise governments, Parliament and Canadians. We proceed with resolve and optimism to bring Canada’s economy and environment closer together.

Annual Report 2008-2009 – Letter From the Chair and President and CEO

July 2009

Dear Minister:

We are pleased to submit to you the 2008-2009 Annual Report of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE).

This year was particularly busy for the NRTEE. In the summer of 2008 we released an advisory note entitled Developing Ambient Air Quality Objectives for Canada. the note completed our work in response to the Government of Canada’s request for advice on long-term climate change and clean air strategies for Canada.

The Round Table marked its 20th Anniversary in 2008 with a unique forum called “Securing Canada’s Future in a Climate-Changing World”. It consisted of three roundtable sessions with Canadian leaders in sustainability discussing Canada’s environmental and economic security as seen through the lenses of our ecosystems, energy economy, and Arctic environment. the resulting report, Climate Forward, was published in June 2009.

The NRTEE continued its focus and research on the critical issue of climate change. In early 2009, the NRTEE released Geared for Change: Energy Efficiency in Canada’s Commercial Building Sector, a collaborative report with Sustainable Development Technologies Canada (SDTC), setting out a policy pathway to overcome barriers to technology deployment that would improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Over 2008 and the winter of 2009 the NRTEE conducted ground breaking research into the ways in which Canada can meet the government’s goals on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, for 2020 and 2050. the results were published in April 2009, as Achieving 2050: A Carbon Pricing Policy for Canada, which recommended an economy-wide cap and trade system to meet our environmental targets at least economic cost.

We also fulfilled our obligations under the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act, undertaking a review and assessment of the government’s 2008 KPIA Action Plan. A companion report, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Forecasting: Learning from International Best Practices was also released to provide guidance to policy-makers.

In 2008-2009, the NRTEE commenced work on two major policy research programs: Economic Risks and Opportunities of Climate Change for Canada, and Water Sustainability and Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors.

Over two decades, the NRTEE has developed expertise that positions us well to provide a unique and substantial contribution to Canada’s sustainable development. We look forward to continuing to provide you, the Government of Canada, and Parliament with useful, timely and relevant policy advice throughout 2009-2010.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Page, Ph.D.
Chair

 

David McLaughlin
President and Chief Executive Officer