OTTAWA, ON — CHRIS SEVERSON-BAKER, the Pembina Institute’s executive director, made the following statement in response to the federal Speech from the Throne, delivered today in Ottawa by King Charles III:
“Today’s Speech from the Throne was an affirmation of Canada’s strength and sovereignty as a nation. The King reiterated this government’s goal of becoming “the world’s leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy,” enabled by “an industrial strategy that will make Canada more globally competitive, while fighting climate change.” We’re encouraged that this government recognizes the unique opportunity for Canada to lead as the world rapidly embraces clean energy as the best way to power our daily lives, attract the industries of tomorrow, and do our fair share to address the climate crisis.
“As we continue to grapple with trade challenges with our southern neighbour, this government intends to build infrastructure at speed and scale, toward economic and energy security. It will be critical that Canada do this responsibly, if we’re to uphold what the King calls, “Canada’s world-leading environmental standards and its constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples.” When working to accelerate project approvals, this government must find adequate and effective ways of ensuring we reduce harmful pollution, preserve natural ecosystems and respect Indigenous rights, title and sovereignty.
“The key to building a strong economy, increasing individual well-being and creating a climate-resilient future for all Canadians is our national, abundant supply of affordable and reliable clean electricity. It’s also key to attracting investment from the industries of tomorrow, in the production of the goods and services modern net-zero economies around the world are demanding. We must modernize our electricity grid, expand renewables and other clean energy sources, and shift our energy demand to electricity – this will drive Canada's next wave of jobs in clean transportation and low-carbon buildings. We must also invest in energy efficiency and demand-side management, to shield Canadian households and businesses from the impacts of geopolitical shifts. This is how we bolster our economic resilience while achieving our climate goals.
“Electrification — including building out our clean electricity grid and shifting domestic energy demand to electricity — is the only overarching policy that simultaneously supports economic prosperity, creates jobs, improves health outcomes, provides affordable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and helps Canadians become more resilient to the economic impacts of trade disputes, and the physical and economic impacts of climate change.
“This government – and everyone in Canada – has an opportunity to choose a pathway to long-term financial stability, secured global leadership and increased well-being for all. This pathway is rooted in clean energy.”
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Contact
Brendan Glauser (English / français)
Senior Director, Communications, Pembina Institute
(604) 356-8829
Background
Report: A critical moment for Canadian resilience, security and prosperity: Federal Election 2025 policy brief
Media release: New federal government elected at pivotal moment for Canadian economic resilience, energy security
Op-ed: Clean electrification is the nation-building project we need
