Bringing Parties to the Table to Discuss the Issues

WINNIPEG — The recent release of the Bush Administration's alternative to the Kyoto Protocol has once again raised the profile of the current debate surrounding climate change, particularly in light of President Bush's energy policy released last year.

Bush's announcement will likely be at the centre of discussion at this week's Continental Energy Markets and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The Implications? a conference co-sponsored by Winnipeg's International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Canadian Energy Institute Research Institute, to be held in Ottawa on February 20 and 21 at the Westin Hotel.

The Honourable Herb Dhaliwhal, Minister of Natural Resources, is scheduled to give the first keynote address of the conference on Wednesday, February 20. The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, is scheduled to give the second day's keynote address, on Thursday, February 21. Lorne Taylor, Minister of the Environment for the Province of Alberta will be the closing keynote speaker on the second day of the conference.

The conference will feature round table discussions on US Energy Policy, the implications of the Kyoto Protocol and innovative approaches to energy policy. Participants include experts in related fields from across North America, including Mexico.

"As the Bush Administration releases its climate change plan, we need to bring a variety of issues into the spotlight and look at the possible implications for Canada, the United States and Mexico," says John Drexhage, director of Climate Change at IISD.

"This conference is a forum for various people to debate and discuss the issues pertaining to energy production and climate change," says Morgan MacRae, director, Environment-Energy Research from CERI.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development is an independent, not for profit corporation headquartered in Winnipeg whose mission is to champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably. Established in 1990 with continuing support from the governments of Canada and Manitoba, IISD also receives revenue from foundations and other private sector sources.

The Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) is a cooperative research organization based in Alberta whose principal role is to undertake objective, independent research studies to assist corporations and governments make energy-related decisions and policy choices.

For more information contact Stuart Slayen at the International Institute for Sustainable Development 204- 958-7726 (office) or 204-951-3001 (cell).