CanREA looks forward to working with new Cabinet members to support more ambitious climate action, a green economy and long-term economic growth as the country strives for net-zero by 2050.
Ottawa, November 10, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the appointment of the new Federal Cabinet on October 26, following the 2021 federal election.
There were significant changes in portfolios particularly relevant to CanREA, with the Hon. Steven Guilbeault being named Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson becoming Minister of Natural Resources.
“We look forward to working with many of the new Cabinet members in support of our shared objectives,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs.
“We intend to support the Government in its pursuit of more ambitious climate action, seize the opportunities of the green economy, and position Canada for long-term economic growth as it strives for net-zero by 2050.”
Specifically, CanREA will continue to advocate for the following measures that are critical to make progress on the deployment and integration of new wind, solar, and energy storage, in keeping with the stated priorities of this Government:
- Introduce a Clean Electricity Standard: this will set Canada on a path to cut more emissions by 2030 and to achieve a 100% net-zero emitting electricity system by 2035.
- Carbon Price Exposure: Ensure that existing natural gas-fired generation faces steadily increasing exposure to the carbon price, within federal and provincial carbon pricing frameworks, and is fully exposed to the carbon price by 2030.
- Create a Pan-Canadian Grid Council: with an increased focus on electrification, this will promote infrastructure investments, smart grids, grid integration, and electricity sector innovation with the goal of making Canada the most reliable, cost effective, and carbon-free electricity producer in the world.
CanREA has been pleased, to date, with Canada’s efforts to set more ambitious 2030 climate targets, as well as with its commitments to a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions across the economy by 2050.
To succeed, however, Canada will need to decarbonize and significantly expand electricity production, to help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in sectors like transportation, buildings and industry. Considering the scale of the efforts required, swift action will be needed on all these fronts.
While Canada will need many different technologies to decarbonize and expand electricity production, the cost competitiveness of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage ensures these technologies must be at the core of Canada’s efforts to meet its climate-change objectives.
Canada is starting from a strong position with an electricity supply that is already almost 70% from renewable energy resources. There are countless more potential projects in Canada. The development, construction and operation of these projects will require significant investment, and a very large, skilled workforce. It will provide significant opportunities for Indigenous and remote communities across the country.
Quotes
“We look forward to working with the new Cabinet members in support of our shared objectives. We intend to support the Government in its pursuit of more ambitious climate action, seize the opportunities of the green economy, and position Canada for long-term economic growth as it strives for net-zero by 2050.”
—Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-875-2483
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here.
