The partnership will develop a sustainable energy strategy for Canada, one that achieves science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, makes Canada a global role model in sustainable energy generation, distribution, and energy use, while ensuring all Canadians have access to sustainable energy.

The David Suzuki Foundation and Canadian Academy of Engineering will be supplying services in kind to match Trottier's $2.5-million contribution to the venture.

Lorne Trottier, engineer and co-founder of Matrox, states the project seeks to offer objective information about energy options in a transparent and open process.

"We want to produce a greener energy system for Canada and we are going to be as objective as possible in analyzing the various alternatives," says Trottier.

"The goal is to influence public policy, and to achieve that we need to bring Canadians into the energy debate", said Michael Charles, president of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. "We need to engineer widely accepted solutions that reduce negative environmental impacts of the energy sector, while maintaining the social and economic well-being of Canadians."