In October, MacQuarrie was given an Individual Leadership Award by the Canadian Wind Energy Association at its annual conference and trade show in Vancouver.

“The people who know Canada’s wind industry best recognize the leadership that Prince Edward Island has shown and that Wayne MacQuarrie has shown in helping develop wind as a viable and profitable energy source for Prince Edward Island. Thanks to Wayne’s vision, our Island is at the forefront of wind power development in Canada,” said Premier Ghiz.

The premier said MacQuarrie and the Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation have been responsible for development of two publicly-owned wind farms – at North Cape and East Point – and for encouraging private sector development of wind energy. MacQuarrie has been a consistent supporter and board member for the Wind Energy Institute of Canada – helping ensure that Prince Edward Island remains a vital part of the development and promotion of wind power.

“This fall, Wayne MacQuarrie was a big part of the development of our province’s new wind strategy that will see 500 megawatts of wind-generated electricity produced on Prince Edward Island. More than that, with Wayne’s guidance, we have developed principles that will make sure the benefits of wind energy flow to every Islander in the form of lower power rates, greater independence and increased economic activity that will benefit every member of the Island community,” said the premier.

“This government, in fact this whole province, is very lucky to be able to benefit from the expertise and experience provided by Wayne MacQuarrie.”

Text of the Award citation follows:

INDIVIDUAL LEADER AWARD

First awarded in 2003, the Individual Leadership Award is awarded to an individual who has, through their own efforts, significantly advanced the wind energy industry in Canada.

As CEO of the PEI Energy Corporation, Wayne MacQuarrie has been a critical contributor to wind development in PEI and has helped to make that province an example for others to follow. Thanks to his efforts, PEI now has the highest wind penetration in Canada, with 72 Megawatts representing 20% of the province's electricity supply.

His accomplishments are numerous. He directly involved PEI EC as an investor and partner in the development of the North Cape and Eastern Kings wind farms. He pushed for strong PEI support of the Wind Energy Institute of Canada and has served on that organisation's Board of Directors since its inception. He has been a spokesperson for wind in the media at a provincial and national level, and he has been of great assistance to CanWEA – helping to liaise with the Ministers office, and presenting PEI policy developments at the CanWEA annual conference.

In short, Wayne has been a true champion of wind energy and CanWEA would like to thank him for his work. Tonight we are pleased to honour Wayne with the Individual Leader Award.