Centre for Health Promotion Research (CHPR)

I am pleased to find out that Canada’s Economic Action Plan (CEAP) also includes an environmental and social purpose, i.e., a healthy environment.

As part of CEAP, the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII) will “support energy technology innovation to produce and use energy in a more clean and efficient way” by providing $97 million over two years for research, development, and demonstration projects that advance Canadian leadership in clean energy technologies. Those who are interested may submit a Letter of Expression of Interest to address one of five priority areas: Energy Efficiency; Clean Electricity and Renewables; Bioenergy; Electrification of Transportation; and Unconventional Oil and Gas.

I am pleased about this opportunity because it reflects two important principles for society:

• EcoEII provides an opportunity rather than a punishment such as fines. Fines seem to have a place in this imperfect world but are collected after the fact – the deed and damage are already done.
• The ecoEII links economic goals with environmental and social goals, which are all connected. The approach reflects a long-term vision of sustainability rather than a short-term priority of profits. A short-term focus on profits tends to erode the ‘supply chain’ in terms of the human capital and the resources that support production (and thereby profits).

I don’t think ecoEII will be a magic bullet for our economy, environment, and society. But I do believe that it’s a step in the right direction. Every action counts.

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