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TORONTO – Today, the United Steelworkers of Canada, as part of Blue Green Canada, congratulates the Ontario Liberals and NDP on the adoption of the Green Energy and Economy Act.

The Act, which is a first for North America, outlines an ambitious and globally significant strategy to improve conservation, increase renewable energy generation and create green jobs.

"With today's passage of the Green Energy Act, and the investments to support it, Ontario is starting down the road to a green jobs future," said Ken Neumann, National Director of United Steelworkers of Canada. "The members of our union are ready and eager to produce the next generation of clean energy products and parts, such as steel for windmills and glass for solar panels. The future of manufacturing in Ontario lies, in part, in the green jobs of the future."

"This is an exciting time for Ontario; the environment and economy are closer than ever," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence. "Ontario is taking action on its international obligation to reduce greenhouse gasses and pollution, while becoming a leader in an emerging industry and job creator."

A recent report released from the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst estimated that 90,000 well-paying jobs could be created through investments in conservation, renewable energy and upgrades to Ontario's electricity grid. The investment criteria used in the report is similar to the level of investment expected under the new Green Energy and Economy Act.

About Blue Green Canada: Blue Green Canada is an alliance between the United Steelworkers of Canada (USW) and Environmental Defence to advocate for working people and the environment in key areas of global trade, the use of toxic chemicals in commercial activity, the creation of green manufacturing jobs, and in the development of strategies to address climate change. www.bluegreencanada.ca.

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Contact: Bob Gallagher, United Steelworkers, (416) 544-5966; (416) 434-2221 (c)