The Board of the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) has decided to give the World Wind Energy Award 2009 to the Hon. George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of Ontario, largest Province of Canada.

The World Wind Energy Award has been given for Minister Smitherman’s outstanding achievements in making Ontario the leading wind energy jurisdiction in North America. Under his political responsibility and leadership in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Green Energy and Economy Act was initiated and adopted as a decisive step in establishing a strong domestic wind and renewable energy industry in Ontario. Building on his first public speech as newly appointed Energy Minister during the WWEC2008, the adoption was made less than a year after Minister Smitherman took office. The act will contribute to making the province a green leader in North America and worldwide supporting the Ontario government’s goal to become a leader in innovation and to create at least 50’000 well paid, skilled green-collar jobs.