As world leaders descend on Ontario for the G8 and G20 summits, climate change does not appear to be a major focal point of the talks. Environmental issues were added only at the last minute, having to borrow precious time away from more pressing matters like the global recession. For many, however, the two are interrelated. Economic stimulus and the transition to a green economy are both solvable using many of the same tools.

Some believe that Harper’s government does not appear to understand this correlation, fearing that Canada could potentially fall behind other countries that have used their economic stimulus to invest in renewable energy. In an article that appeared in the London Free Press, the “Harper government is ignoring the climate crisis and the jobs that could be created by investing in a new green economy.”

Canada’s Stimulus Plan Lacks Renewable Energy Investment

According to the same article, the United States’ stimulus package “outstrips Canada in terms of investments in new green economy job creation by a ratio of 14 to 1.” In fact, the proportion of Canada’s economic stimulus program funding for “sustainable infrastructure and job creation puts [Canada] near the bottom of the G8 nations.”

This is troublesome because numerous opportunities exist to move the country’s depressed economy to a greener and more sustainable one. In Ontario, for example, a sizeable number of people are unemployed, underemployed, or simply just looking for a career change. With the proper solar training, they would be skilled and ready to excel in the jobs of tomorrow - starting today. However without using the economic stimulus to its full advantage by matching other G8 nations in green investments, job creation is not where it should or could be.

Solar Training Can Turn Ontario into a Leader

Throughout the recession, Ontario has suffered high unemployment rates. However, studies show for every “$1 million dollars invested in renewable energy, 14 to 16 new jobs can be created.” Since the commitment from Ottawa is not there, it is up to the people of Ontario to embrace renewable energy and lead the green economy movement from the grassroots level.

Solar training could play a critical role with this transition. Whether Ottawa supports it or not, solar energy will play an important part in the country’s future, and Ontario could potentially assume a leadership position. Solar training programs, like the one offered by Ontario Solar Academy, provide intensive five-day workshops that can build upon the skills of trades people or provide a foundation for others looking to enter the renewable energy workforce. Well-trained renewable energy professionals will help the province, if not the entire country, match or exceed the expectations of the G20 group.