New clean electricity agreement enhances energy security and sovereignty

CALGARY — DAVID PICKUP, director of the Pembina Institute’s Electricity program, made the following statement in response to the new energy agreement between the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The new clean energy agreement between the federal government and the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador highlights how Canada can deliver prosperity through doubling electricity supply and scaling up the transmission lines needed to share that energy across the country. We support the ambitions of the electrification strategy and welcome the federal government’s scale of investment. When we build out electricity projects at home and build capacity between provinces, it makes Canada stronger and more self-reliant.

“We urge the government to get back on track with the full scope of its electrification strategy.”

“When energy resources are effectively shared across provinces, Canadians benefit through more affordable and resilient electricity systems, as well as the economic benefits such as local job creation and further investment. However, in order to fully capture the benefits of the energy transition, new policies are required to build an electrified economy — the electrification of Canadian transportation, industry and buildings. This is an area where the federal government is falling short, particularly in the transportation sector where policies to drive electric vehicle adoption have been repealed while replacement policies are delayed. We urge the government to get back on track with the full scope of its electrification strategy.

“True nation building happens when all parties come to the table to align on a vision and develop mutually beneficial partnerships. This includes ensuring Indigenous rights-holders are engaged as partners following the principles of free, prior, and informed consent. This new agreement is a positive signal, but there’s more to accomplish when it comes to realizing the vision of clean electrification. When done right, it will strengthen our economy, keep power affordable, create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”