Lisa Raitt, the Federal Natural Resources Minister, announced yesterday the launch of a new $1 billion Clean Energy Fund, an initiative to progress Canada’s leadership in clean energy technologies. She said in an address at the University of Alberta, "Not only will this funding protect our long-term energy security, but this additional stimulus creates high quality jobs for Canadians at a time when they're most needed."

By 2020, the Government has committed to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 20% from 2006 levels plus it aims to have 90 percent of Canada’s electricity provided by non-emitting GHG sources. This would potentially include hydro, nuclear, clean coal, and wind power. To support this goal, the Clean Energy Fund will invest $850 million over five years in the development and demonstration of technologies.

The Government also announced a Request for Proposals for Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Systems Demonstration Projects. Details can be found here.