"Energy conservation will help Saskatchewan people save money on their energy bills while also helping Saskatchewan meet its greenhouse gas targets, which are the most ambitious in Canada" Calvert said. "With these new programs, Saskatchewan will develop the most comprehensive energy conservation measures in Canada, and our residents and businesses will save money as a result."

Calvert said that his government will expand its existing range of grants, rebates, and exemptions to include even more energy efficient products; will unveil a brand-new Energy Conservation Loan Fund for homeowners, farmers and businesses to invest in energy conservation or small-scale renewable energy projects; and will establish a Greening Communities Fund to help communities upgrade facilities such as rinks and museums in order to increase their energy efficiency.

Cindy Hanson and Doug Racine welcome today's news. They completed their first Energuide audit in 2002, and are planning to undergo another audit of their home. "It gets you thinking about what you can do to make your home more energy efficient. The investments we have made are both energy saving and cost saving," Hanson said.

"My government believes that our economic prosperity is not secure until it is environmentally sustainable," Calvert said. "We have led in the development of renewable energy and alternative fuels, pioneered carbon capture technology and were the first province to mandate ethanol use in gasoline. Today's announcement provides opportunity for our citizens and communities to do their part to address climate change, by conserving energy.

"Brad Wall is too big a risk for Saskatchewan families who care deeply about our natural environment," Calvert said. "Like their federal Conservative friends, the Saskatchewan Party does not take environmental protection seriously, and Sask Party MLA Don Toth even described global warming as ‘one big hoax.' Despite promising for months that we will see details of their plan to protect the environment, the Saskatchewan Party has kept their policy hidden. The Saskatchewan Party is too big of a risk for Saskatchewan families and our environmental future."