Climate Change & Energy

Climate Change

Atlantic Policy Congress recognizes the severe impacts climate change is having on Atlantic First Nation communities. We are identifying relevant information from scientific journals, reports, media, conferences, and Indigenous Knowledge on effects, mitigation, and adaptation of climate impacts on these communities. From here, we organize, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, and dialogues to engage Atlantic First Nations to share this knowledge. To aid in this endeavor, we will liaise with industry, academia, Non-governmental Organizations, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and various government departments to gather more pertinent information. APC also supports AAROM community initiatives regarding mitigation and adaptation measures against climate change impacts.

Energy

Renewable Energy

APC recognizes the leading work our Atlantic First Nation communities are doing regarding clean energy and energy efficiency. Important documentation will be found below.

Clean Energy Conference

APC’s first ever Clean Energy Conference took place in Fredericton, NB, in February of 2019. This brought Atlantic First Nations together to discuss clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities in the region. Below is the report summarizing the event and a link to a short video showing event participants.

Find out more about our 2019 Clean Energy Conference here.

Energy Efficiency

Tied closely with clean energy projects, energy efficiency aims to lower energy consumption through efficient usage. This can be accomplished through lower energy costs, cutting emissions, improving operating performance, and increasing asset values. Energy efficient processes and buildings will allow community members to use less energy, which will both reduce energy costs and improve environmental sustainability.

Provided below are links to each Atlantic provincial utility and their programs aimed at First Nations:

Efficiency Nova Scotia

Solar power is one more way that participants can have more control over their energy future, while reducing carbon emissions, and improving air quality.

Learn more about efficient homes programs:

Énergie New Brunswick Power and their First Nations Relations

Efficiency PEI

Take Charge (Newfoundland & Labrador)

Transition Enérgétique (Québec)

    Carbon Pricing

    Carbon pricing is a complex issue that has surfaced in recent years in response to the federal government’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Prevention Act. Carbon pricing is simply the government taxing citizens and corporations for emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. This has the purpose of disincentivizing the use of these fuels to promote environmental sustainability. This tax can come in different forms and has the potential to impact First Nations communities. APC is currently participating on a federal committee named the Joint Committee on Climate Action (JCCA) to advocate for First Nations’ input on future carbon pricing legislation. Below are documents and links that provide more information about this topic.

    Nova Scotia Climate Change and Cap-and-Trade Program

    Nova Scotia’s new cap-and-trade program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions right here at home. It will also keep the cost of carbon pricing low for all Nova Scotians. With this program and other actions, Nova Scotia will continue to be a national leader in the fight against climate change

    New Brunswick

    For more information, view a made-in-New Brunswick carbon tax is here, but with it actually curb consumption?

    Prince Edward Island Carbon Levy 

    Newfoundland & Labrador Carbon Tax

    Québec Cap and Trade