Mr. Speaker, the energy blackout in Ontario had many repercussions, including an economic impact across the country, so serious it required the setting up of an international task force appointed by the Prime Minister and the U.S. President.
Blackouts could occur again. To prevent them the government should take several steps, including: first, facilitating the establishment of an east-west national electrical transmission system; second, making energy conservation a permanent feature in the behaviour of Canadians at home and at work; third, offering programs to advance renewable energy generating systems; and fourth, improving existing tax measures to encourage the production of green power.
Energy must be used carefully to prevent blackouts and achieve the Kyoto targets. I urge the government to give strong leadership in energy conservation to individuals, retailers, industries and the public at large.