The Canadian Conservative federal government handed down its budget yesterday and here were the enviro-highlights (envirolights?):

• A performance-based rebate program will offer up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new fuel-efficient vehicle. This is a great start as Canadians alone purchase 1.5 million passenger vehicles each year and vehicles combines accounts for about 12 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

• A new green levy on gas guzzlers, will replace the excise tax on heavy vehicles, which is based on weight.

• Increased subsidies for alternative fuels and cleaner energy.

• A national water strategy to improve drinking water quality and preserve the country’s fish.

Courtesy of good old CBC News.