/EINPresswire.com/ -- PARIS, FRANCE -- (Marketwired) -- 11/30/15 -- Prime Minister's Office

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today joined French President Francois Hollande, U.S. President Barack Obama and Bill Gates to announce the launch of Mission Innovation, an ambitious clean technology initiative that partners Canada with the United States, 18 other countries, and leading representatives from the private sector.

This global partnership, announced during the first day of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21), seeks to double government investment over the next five years in clean energy research and development, and to spur private sector investment in clean technology.

The Government of Canada fully supports this goal and clean technology research and development. Investing in clean technology can deliver real benefits for the environment and the economy, including more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.

Canada has a plan to invest an additional $100 million each year in clean technology producers, so they can tackle Canada's most pressing environmental challenges, and create more opportunities for Canadian workers. The government will also invest an additional $200 million each year to support innovation and the use of clean technologies in the natural resources sector.

By joining this coalition today, Canada is demonstrating its commitment to building stronger climate action partnerships and becoming a global leader on climate change and clean energy.

Quotes

"Canada is proud to be a partner in this ambitious global initiative. By working together, we will deliver real benefits for our environment while also strengthening our economy, including through the creation of more middle class jobs."

- Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"A strong economy and healthy environment go hand-in-hand, and we are committed to leaving our children and grandchildren with a more sustainable and prosperous country. Mission Innovation will tap into the vast economic opportunities of our environment by helping to create the growth and jobs Canadians need."

- Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

--  Twenty countries are participating in the initial launch of Mission
    Innovation, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark,
    France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Saudi
    Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United
    Kingdom, and the United States.

--  Mission Innovation is focused on increasing private sector investment
    with the help of a group of investors from countries that are prepared
    to contribute unprecedented levels of capital and drive clean innovation
    from the laboratory to the market place.

Related Product

--  Backgrounder - Canada's Participation in Mission Innovation

Associated Links

- Canada's Action on Climate Change

- Mission Innovation - Joint Launch Statement

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

CANADA'S PARTICIPATION IN MISSION INNOVATION

Mission Innovation is a global partnership aimed at doubling government investment in clean energy innovation over five years, while encouraging private sector leadership in clean energy. The initiative also seeks to better coordinate and report on clean energy efforts.

To date, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States have agreed to join the initiative. More countries are expected to join as the initiative grows.

Over 20 private sector investors have agreed to provide support for the development of clean energy technologies in participating countries through the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, an initiative led by Bill Gates.

Through Mission Innovation, Canada will work with global partners to promote cleaner energy and better environmental outcomes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of the Government of Canada's efforts to promote a clean environment and a strong economy, Canada is committed to investing an additional $100 million each year in clean technology producers and tackling Canada's most pressing environmental challenges. The Government of Canada will also invest an additional $200 million each year to support innovation and the use of clean technologies in the natural resources sector. Clean energy research and development will be one of the areas of focus.

Contacts:
PMO Media Relations:
613-957-5555