Renewable energy program launched by Ontario

The Ontario government announced a new program April 27 to assist First Nation and M�tis communities develop renewable energy projects.
The Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program, announced by minister of energy and infrastructure, Brad Duguid, is to provide assistance in developing renewable energy generation facilities and to also help build Ontario's energy supply by working closely with other businesses in Ontario's waterpower community.
"[This] announcement is a significant step forward for new waterpower development," Paul Norris, president of the Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) said. "We have strongly supported efforts to provide incentives to encourage and expand business relationships with Aboriginal communities."
The program is comprised of an Aboriginal Renewable Energy Fund, Aboriginal Renewable Energy Network and an Aboriginal Community Energy Plan.
"This initiative will help to advance waterpower projects and partnerships," Ian Kerr, chair of the OWA board of directors said. "The OWA will continue its collaborative efforts to build the capacity of Aboriginal communities to participate in or become proponents of waterpower development opportunities."
The Aboriginal Renewable Energy Network can be viewed at www.aboriginalenergy.ca.