Mr. Speaker, the Renewable Cities program aims to accelerate the adoption of 100% renewable energy within cities globally and recognizes the world needs an integrated approach to energy efficiency and urban design. The five-year program has been co-designed with leaders in local government, the private sector, key innovators, thought leaders and the utilities sector. With reductions in consumption and energy system transformation, renewable cities can become a reality.
As a first step, a global learning forum is being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, today through Saturday. I am so proud of Vancouver's goal and plan to become the greenest city in the world by 2020, earning it the role of hosting this forum. A diverse range of visionary leaders have gathered, including a German delegation from World Future Council, from whom I had the pleasure of being briefed this week in Ottawa. The delegates will share ideas, best practices and encouragement, joining an important global movement for change.
I wish them every success.