Trudeau renews commitment to climate change, clean economy as new cabinet sworn in
by Cleantech Canada Staff
New federal ministers to play pivotal role in Canada's cleantech sector
The Liberal majority has promised to boost the country’s clean economy with $200 million a year in investment. PHOTO: Robyn Gibbard, via Wikimedia Commons
OTTAWA—Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has been sworn in as Canada’s 23rd prime minister with a strong 184-seat majority. The newly-minted PM is accompanied by a federal cabinet and a legislative agenda that seems sure to point Canada in a new direction.
“Canadians from all across this country sent a message that it is time for real change, and I am deeply honoured by the faith they have placed in my team and me,” Trudeau said. “Canadians chose a positive and optimistic plan for the future, and we will immediately begin implementing our plan for a strong middle class.”
During the campaign, Trudeau promised to renew Canada’s focus on the environment and develop the country’s cleantech sector. He pledged $200 million a year in additional funding for the cleantech sector as part of his environment and economy plan, and said the government would collaborate with the private sector, provincial governments and research institutions to create sector-specific strategies that support clean technologies across a variety of Canadian industries.
After being sworn in by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Trudeau reaffirmed his environmental pledge.
“We will demonstrate national leadership and work with the provinces and territories to take real action on climate change and create the clean jobs of tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, several federal cabinet ministers are sure to play a pivotal role in the further development of Canada’s cleantech sector.
“Today we have the pleasure of introducing the team of extraordinary Canadians who will serve in the new Ministry,’ Trudeau said. “This strong, diverse, and experienced team will serve all Canadians, and for the first time in our country’s history, there will be an equal number of women and men around the Cabinet table.”
Ministry appointments with significant bearing on the cleantech industry:
- Environment Minister: Catherine McKenna
- Finance Minister: Bill Morneau
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister: Navdeep Singh Bains
- Infrastructure Minister: Amarjeet Sohi
- Natural Resources Minister: James Carr
- Science Minister: Kirsty Duncan
