Electricity Alliance Canada proposes a new federal playbook to secure this country’s economic future.
Op-ed by Electricity Alliance Canada: Vittoria Bellissimo (President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association), Francis Bradley (President and CEO, Canadian Electricity Association), Michelle Branigan (CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada), George Christidis (President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association), Elisa Obermann (Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada) and Lorena Patterson (President and CEO, WaterPower Canada)
As Canada welcomes a new federal government, the electricity sector stands at a pivotal juncture. With climate change accelerating, global energy dynamics shifting, the need for electricity increasing, and potential US tariffs waiting in the wings, we cannot afford to lose our national advantage.
Canadians expect affordable, reliable, and secure power—and we, Canada’s electricity industry, intend to deliver it.
Canada’s economy was built on affordable, reliable and abundant power. Today, this country is predominantly powered by clean-energy sources, with hydroelectricity accounting for more than 60 per cent of electricity generation. Renewable energy, such as wind and solar, is growing steadily, alongside energy storage solutions. Nuclear power plays a significant role, especially in Ontario and New Brunswick, with opportunities for expansion in other provinces.
But our current supply won’t be enough. Canada produces around 630 TWh of electricity per year, yet every province and territory is forecasting a much greater need. As we electrify our industries, bring manufacturing back home, and digitize our economy, the pressure on electricity systems will grow. To meet this demand, we must make substantial investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, which will bolster employment opportunities across this country.
That’s why we are calling on the new federal government to work with the electricity sector on five urgent priorities.
First and foremost, the electricity industry needs greater clarity so we can move forward at speed. Slow and uncertain approval processes can stymie investment in major projects, leading to delays, cancellations or higher costs. We need an efficient approval process for major electricity projects, and we need to finalize the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs). Further, given the stated intention to proceed with industrial carbon pricing, we recommend a flexible approach to drive environmental gains while promoting innovation and competitiveness without causing regional or sectoral disadvantages.
Secondly, Canada cannot move forward on clean energy without Indigenous communities. From coast to coast to coast, Indigenous-led or co-owned projects have been at the forefront of clean-energy initiatives. The federal government should ensure Indigenous voices are central to decision-making processes, and expand funding tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Indigenous Loan Guarantee program to enable Indigenous partners to participate fully and on their own terms, promoting Reconciliation.
Thirdly, Canada has talked for years about energy corridors and grid connections across provinces. Now is the time to turn this talk into action. Canada’s provinces and territories offer diverse energy jurisdictions can benefit from supporting each other. We need collaboration between the federal government, provinces, crown corporations and utilities to support interprovincial energy trade and infrastructure projects, along with interpovincial labour mobility in regulated occupations.
Supply chains are also critical to our success. To build the grid of the future and support Canada’s growth, we need secure and proven supply chains. Globalized supply chains—on which our electricity projects depend—have faced significant challenges over the past year, including international tariffs, increased regulatory requirements and ongoing trade tensions with the US. The federal government needs to help manage risk and secure the electricity sector’s supply chains.
Finally, we need a strong system to train and produce skilled workers. Canada’s growing electricity sector relies on a workforce of well-trained tradespeople and engineers to fill new, high-quality job opportunities. This workforce will build and operate a stable, reliable and resilient system that supports Canada’s economic and environmental goals and provides a good quality of life for Canadians. We appreciate the federal government’s past support, now calling on them to continue to invest in long-term training programs to develop an expanded, world-class workforce.
Affordable, reliable, clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and the electricity sector is the backbone of our economy. We’ve increased supply while lowering emissions, and we will continue to do so. As we welcome the new federal government, we’re ready to get to work building a strong and resilient electricity system that will meet Canada’s rising demand and secure our economic future. And for this work to succeed, Canada needs a bold electricity plan, now.