The GBC document highlights a suite of subsidy reform measures for oil, mining, nuclear power, and chrysotile asbestos promotion, which could save Canadian taxpayers $800 million per year. These savings could fund most of the GBC's three priority recommendations: (1) a conservation plan for Canada, (2) an energy efficiency program which would put money back into Canadians pockets, and (3) investments in Canada's freshwater resources.

"We are heeding widespread desires for fiscal constraint and for integrating the government's economic, energy, and environmental strategies," said Barry Turner, chair of the Green Budget Coalition, and Director of Government Relations, Ducks Unlimited Canada. "This is a prime time to end expensive subsidy programs which act contrary to the government's sustainability objectives."

"At the same time, it is crucial that the federal government preserves its existing capacity to protect the environment, nature and Canadians' health from pollution. The oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has highlighted the extensive costs that can occur when environmental protection is sacrificed for short-term financial savings," added Turner.