Restructured Energy Market and new consultation herald more upheaval for Alberta’s renewable energy industry
Banff, Alberta, March 11, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is concerned about prolonged and increasing uncertainty for Alberta’s renewable energy and energy storage industry, after new documents were released by the provincial government and the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) today.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Independent Power Producers Society of Alberta (IPPSA) in Banff today, Alberta Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf said that the province is moving ahead with significant electricity market reforms, based on recommendations from the AESO.
Specifically, in a letter to the AESO today, Minister Neudorf requested that the AESO work with industry and stakeholders to design, and submit to the government for consideration, a draft restructured energy market design based on the AESO’s Recommendation Report.
Mike Law, AESO’s President and CEO, confirmed in his address at the IPPSA conference that the AESO will run a new consultation to develop the first draft of the technical design for the “Restructured Energy Market” (REM), to be completed by fall 2024, with new market rules to come into effect in 2027.
“Today’s announcements introduced another significant layer of uncertainty for Alberta’s market, which will make the province less attractive to investors,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
“However, CanREA does support the AESO’s collaborative engagement approach. We expect to be at the table, working to ensure the new market design recommendations work for existing renewable energy and energy storage assets and their customers, while also providing a path forward for future investment in these critical technologies in Alberta.”
According to the AESO, these reforms will focus on supporting affordability, reliability and system decarbonization by 2050. The cornerstones of the proposed reforms include a day ahead market, an administrative scarcity pricing mechanism, and adjustments to the current pricing system.
CanREA’s priorities, going into the consultation period, include:
Any market reform must encourage wind, solar and energy storage technologies to play a foundational role in the electricity system of the future.
The AESO needs to ensure there is a path forward for renewable and energy storage investment under this new REM framework, including a workable tariff for energy storage.
The AESO’s REM recommendations should ensure that any new rules honour investments made by generators and their customers who have purchased electricity from these facilities via power purchase agreements (PPAs).
“These changes could provide opportunities for energy storage in Alberta, but we urge the government and the AESO to consider market structures that provide continued opportunity for renewables,” said Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs at CanREA.
“We plan to continue to engage with the provincial government and participate in all consultation processes to ensure the success for renewable energy deployment in Alberta. It is critical for Alberta to get this right if it is to remain an attractive location for international investment,” said Wilson.
In recent years, Alberta has led Canada in new renewable energy development, representing more than 90% of Canada’s growth last year alone, but its position as Canada’s clean energy powerhouse is expected to falter in the coming years as a delayed effect of the 2023-24 moratorium, a negative consequence that will only be amplified by continued policy uncertainty.
Quotes
“Today’s announcements introduced another significant layer of uncertainty for Alberta’s market, which will make the province less attractive to investors. However, CanREA does support the AESO’s collaborative engagement approach. We expect to be at the table, working to ensure the new market design recommendations work for existing renewable energy and energy storage assets and their customers, while also providing a path forward for future investment in these critical technologies in Alberta.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“These changes could provide opportunities for energy storage in Alberta, but we urge the government and the AESO to consider market structures that provide continued opportunity for renewables. We plan to continue to engage with the provincial government and participate in all consultation processes to ensure the success for renewable energy deployment in Alberta. It is critical for Alberta to get this right if it is to remain an attractive location for international investment.”
—Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter/XandLinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
NEWS RELEASE: And that’s a wrap on Energy Storage Alberta 2025
NEWS RELEASE: And that’s a wrap on Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit 2025. More than 200 people attended this full-day conference examining the myriad ways that innovative energy storage technologies will be critical for Alberta’s energy future.
CanREA concerned about punitive market and transmission changes in Alberta
STATEMENT—December 10, 2024: CanREA is concerned that the latest round of changes to Alberta’s electricity sector are punitive to renewable energy and energy storage. They will add undue costs for existing assets, putting them at risk. CanREA breaks down several issues with the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities letter to the AESO.
Many questions remain as Alberta lifts pause on renewable energy project approvals
Edmonton, Alberta, February 28, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see the end of Alberta’s moratorium on renewable energy project approvals on February 29, as announced today by by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf.
That said, CanREA remains concerned about the considerable level of post-moratorium uncertainty that remains for new projects in the province.
The industry is eager to resume after a seven month pause on renewable energy project approvals that created a climate of uncertainty with negative consequences for investor confidence in Alberta.
“While the Pause has lifted, there remains significant uncertainty and risk for investors wishing to participate in Canada’s hottest market for renewables. It is critical to get these policy changes right, and to do so quickly,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
Alberta currently leads Canada in new renewable energy development, representing more than 90% of Canada’s growthlast year alone. While the Pause did not affect operational projects or projects already in construction, the impact of the moratorium will be seen in the coming years.
Over the past seven months, CanREA participated actively in the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Inquiries while continuing to meet with Premier Smith, Minister Neudorf and his staff to create a greater understanding of the importance of this industry in Alberta and clarify the consequences of the pause.
“CanREA will continue to consult with the AUC and encourage the Province to provide clarity on policy changes that will enable paused projects to move forward, in a manner that will restore investor confidence in Alberta,” said Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs at CanREA.
CanREA is pleased with policy announcements on the issues of crown lands, municipal participation and reclamation security, but concerned about the announcements on agricultural land bans and “pristine viewscape” setbacks. Wind energy and solar energy have a long record of co-location with productive agricultural land use. CanREA will work with the government and the AUC to seek opportunities to continue these beneficial approaches.
CanREA is also pleased that our push for renewables on crown lands has come to fruition. We are happy for the opportunity to expand province wide, to increase geographic diversity, decrease pressures on agricultural land, and make more efficient use of the transmission system.
Regarding reclamation security, CanREA members understand that Albertans expect developers to honour commitments to reclamation. This is why our members already make commitments to reclamation security. CanREA is pleased that the government decision matched our recommendations and that, going forward, reclamation security can continue be allocated to landowners if those landowners so chose.
CanREA also accepts that municipalities, as the elected voices of their communities, have the opportunity to participate in the process.
However, it is disappointing that the government has decided to put some parts of the province off-limits for renewable energy projects via “pristine viewscape” setbacks. This decision means that local communities and landowners in these regions will miss out on the benefit of renewable projects, specifically the tax revenues and lease payments associated with renewables.
CanREA will continue to advise in upcoming consultations to support better outcomes, including the grandfathering of projects on sites that have already been selected, to avoid costly consequences for all parties. We will urge the government to reconsider their land-use bans for “pristine viewscapes,” or to provide opportunities to mitigate these blanket restrictions.
Renewable energy in Alberta has long been a good-news story for Canada’s energy powerhouse province. And there is tremendous potential for even greater success. To realize this potential, we need a responsible, inclusive and thoughtful approach in Alberta.
Quotes
“While the Pause has lifted, there remains significant uncertainty and risk for investors wishing to participate in Canada’s hottest market for renewables. It is critical to get these policy changes right, and to do so quickly.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“CanREA will continue to consult with the AUC and encourage the Province to provide clarity on policy changes that will enable paused projects to move forward, in a manner that will restore investor confidence in Alberta.”
—Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
NEWS RELEASE: And that’s a wrap on Energy Storage Alberta 2025
NEWS RELEASE: And that’s a wrap on Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit 2025. More than 200 people attended this full-day conference examining the myriad ways that innovative energy storage technologies will be critical for Alberta’s energy future.
CanREA concerned about punitive market and transmission changes in Alberta
STATEMENT—December 10, 2024: CanREA is concerned that the latest round of changes to Alberta’s electricity sector are punitive to renewable energy and energy storage. They will add undue costs for existing assets, putting them at risk. CanREA breaks down several issues with the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities letter to the AESO.
CanREA working with federal government to ensure the smooth continuation of programs supporting residential solar in Canada.
STATEMENT: Ottawa, February 6, 2024—CanREA welcomes the announcement yesterday, by the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, of a phase two for the federal Greener Homes Initiative, which helps Canadians “Go Solar” and retrofit their homes to reduce their energy bills and GHG emissions.
“Today’s announcement is important to the continued success of the residential solar sector in Canada,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “The Greener Homes Initiative has been critical to the growth of this industry, providing consistent support which made solar more accessible to Canadians. CanREA’s solar-installer members have noted that business grew by more than 50% since the program was first rolled out in 2021. Recapitalizing this program will allow them to keep employing more people and contributing to their communities.”
The Greener Homes Initiative, which includes NRCan’s Canada Greener Homes Grant Program, CMHC’s Canada Greener Homes Loan Program, and NRCan’s Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, has already been utilized by 165,000 Canadian households, and now aims to reach more than 500,000 households by 2027.
Recently, the popular program was nearly cancelled due to oversubscription. CanREA advocated for its recapitalization, providing the federal government with hard data on the benefit of this grant on solar installers and everyday Canadians who wish to go solar.
CanREA worked with officials from Energy and Natural Resources Canada, Finance Canada and the Privy Council Office to make improvements to the program, such as reducing paperwork and expanding the offering so that more Canadians of all incomes can reduce their energy bills.
“We are pleased to see the federal government signal longer-term support for residential solar, with a commitment to work with industry to right-size the Greener Homes programs,” said Fernando Melo, CanREA’s Director of Federal Policy and Government Affairs. “CanREA eagerly awaits the full details, forthcoming in Budget 2024.”
Meanwhile, CanREA remains committed to working with Government of Canada officials to ensure the smooth continuation of the program. CanREA will seek clarity regarding applications to the program during the transition between the old and new versions of the program, in addition to confirming that phase two of the Greener Homes Initiative will specifically support residential solar.
“It’s important to get this right,” said Melo, “to help grow our robust Canadian industry and make household solar more accessible. Harnessing your own power from the sun is a brilliant way for Canadians to reduce their energy bills and be more self-sufficient in a changing climate.”
For more information:
For more information on going solar, see “CanREA’s Go Solar Guide,” the Canadian homeowner’s go-to guide for putting solar panels on your roof or property.
For more information on CanREA’s advocacy for BTM technologies at the federal level, please contact CanREA’s membership team, at members@renewablesassociation.ca
For media interview opportunities, please contact Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of Communications, Canadian Renewable Energy Association, at: communications@renewablesassociation.ca
Quotes
“Today’s announcement is important to the continued success of the residential solar sector in Canada. The Greener Homes Initiative has been critical to the growth of this industry, providing consistent support which made solar more accessible to Canadians. CanREA’s solar-installer members have noted that business grew by more than 50% since the program was first rolled out in 2021. Recapitalizing this program will allow them to keep employing more people and contributing to their communities.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
“We are pleased to see the federal government signal longer-term support for residential solar, with a commitment to work with industry to right-size the Greener Homes programs. CanREA eagerly awaits the full details, forthcoming in Budget 2024. It’s important to get this right, to help grow our robust Canadian industry and make household solar more accessible. Harnessing your own power from the sun is a brilliant way for Canadians to reduce their energy bills and be more self-sufficient in a changing climate.”
—Fernando Melo, Director of Federal Policy and Government Affairs, CanREA
For media interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
CanREA’s annual industry data for 2023 shows that Canada has increased installed capacity by 11.2% for a new total of 21.9 GW of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage.
Ottawa, January 31, 2024—Canada’s wind, solar and energy-storage sectors grew by a steady 11.2% this year, according to the new annual industry data report released today by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA).
The industry added 2.3 GW of new installed capacity in 2023, including more than 1.7 GW of new utility-scale wind, nearly 360 MW of new utility-scale solar, 86 MW of new on-site* solar, and 140 MW / 190 MWh of energy storage. Canada now has a totalinstalled capacity of more than 21.9 GW, including 20.4 GW of utility-scale wind and solar energy, 1.2 GW of on-site solar and 356 MW / 539 MWh of energy storage nationwide.
Looking ahead, there are tremendous opportunities for growth in these industries, as the nation works to meet 2035 and 2050 net-zero targets. This year’s greatest success stories were found in Atlantic Canada, the North and, notably, Alberta. Other provinces saw no growth in their wind, solar or energy storage sectors in 2023, due to their lack of centralized procurements and corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) offerings—but progress is expected and is, in many cases, underway (see details in Regional Breakdown, below).
“Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industry had a relatively good year in 2023, but it fell short of the trajectory needed to meet net-zero targets. Canada has massive, untapped wind and solar resources that can be harnessed to provide the affordable, clean electricity needed in all jurisdictions. What is needed is more geographic diversity. We need to increase the pace of buildout, and we need to see deployment in all provinces and territories,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
Growth in renewable energy and energy storage has positive implications for jobs and for the economy: As it grows, the sector is emerging as an important force for job creation, primarily in the construction of new facilities, but also in the ongoing operations and maintenance of these sites. In 2023, Canada’s wind and solar industries accounted for more than 4,950 person-years of employment, having increased by 11% this year (up from more than 4,460 in 2022).
CanREA advocates provincially and federally to create favourable policy and regulatory environments for the procurement and deployment of wind, solar and energy storage. On that front, there was much to celebrate in 2023, with many provinces announcing net-zero pathways and procurement plans (see Regional Breakdown, below).
Taking all these announced procurements into account, Canada could reach nearly 58 GW of renewable energy and energy storage capacity by 2035.
Even this, however, is less than what is needed to support national and international targets for the energy transition: COP28 set a global goal of increasing renewables threefold by 2030, and CanREA’s 2050 Vision, Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero, stated that Canada needs to deploy more than 5 GW of new wind and solar energy every year to meet its commitment to net-zero GHG emissions. See Figure 2.
“In 2024, CanREA will continue to advocate for policy and regulatory changes, focusing on the jurisdictions with the greatest potential for growth, to unlock the enormous opportunities offered by renewable energy and energy storage and their benefits for all Canadians,” said Bellissimo.
Regional breakdown
Alberta’s remarkable year
Alberta accounted for more than 92% of Canada’s overall growth in renewable energy and energy-storage capacity in 2023.
The province saw steady, reliable growth again this year, on both the solar and wind fronts. Alberta added 2.2 GW of installed capacity this year (including 1,671 MW wind, 329 MW utility-scale solar, 24 MW of on-site solar, and 130 MW of energy storage), which is significantly higher than its 1.4 GW increase last year.
Of note, the pause on approvals announced by the Alberta government in August 2023 did not impact projects that already had approvals in place. As such, this change had no impact on Alberta’s 2023 growth numbers and is expected to have a limited impact on 2024, with 1 GW of projects already under construction.
Make no mistake, however, the pause and the investor uncertainty it creates will have impacts that will be felt in 2025 and beyond. Specifically, CanREA is tracking 8.3 GW of projects under development in Alberta. Of these, 3.9 GW of projects had the potential to come online in 2025, along with a further 4.4 GW of proposed projects with later commissioning dates, which are all now at risk.
While Alberta has led the country in renewables growth for several years, its progress in the near future will depend on a stable and supportive investment and policy climate, to compete with other provinces that are now looking to scale up significantly in renewables.
Growth in the North
There was welcome growth in the Territories in 2023. Wind made impressive gains in Yukon , moving from 0.2 MW to 4 MW total, as well as in the Northwest Territories, adding 3.2 MW in Inuvik (Enercon). CanREA’s data team is also tracking 1.5 MW of projects in advanced development and 4 MW of proposed projects in Yukon, all of which are utility-scale solar or hybrid solar/storage hybrid projects.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, CanREA is currently tracking 200 MW of projects under construction, 800 MW of wind and solar projects, and a single 20 MW battery site with 20 MWh capacity, all currently in advanced stages of development, as well as 350 MW of wind projects in the proposal stage.
Saskatchewan’s longer-term (procurement) outlook includes 600 MW of wind and solar in south central Saskatchewan expected to be in-service by 2027, up to 1 GW wind and solar in the southwest by 2030, and 1 GW of wind and solar for 2030-2035.
For the moment, however, the current total installed capacity in Saskatchewan remains the same as last year, at 660 MW (629 MW wind, 31 MW solar, 0.4 MW / 0.7 MWh energy storage).
Ontario
Ontario’s installed capacity is still the largest in Canada, at more than 7.5 GW (5.5 wind, nearly 2 solar, more than 100 MW storage), and while this total did not increase this year, it will soon, as Ontario invests in energy storage.
CanREA is tracking 429 MW of storage projects that are already in advanced development, including the 250 MW Oneida Project (led by CanREA members Northland Power, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and Aecon, as well as NRStor), and another 407 MW in proposed energy-storage projects.
There is no new wind or solar development expected in the short term (2024-2025) in Ontario, but the longer-term outlook includes up to 2 GW of new wind and solar by 2030-2031, and up to 3 GW of additional new wind and solar by 2034. In addition, recent and ongoing procurements will bring the total provincial energy storage capacity up to about 3 GW by 2028.
Quebec
In Quebec, CanREA’s data team is closely watching the construction of the Apuiat project (from Boralex and the Innu Nation), which will represent 200 MW of additional capacity when it comes online (expected in 2024).
Quebec currently has the third-highest installed capacity of wind and solar energy and energy storage in Canada, at more than 4 GW (nearly all wind, with less than 12 MW of solar and 1.8 MW of storage). While this total did not increase in 2023, there is a very strong opportunity for growth in the long term.
Knowing that Quebec needs to produce an additional 150-200 TWh to meet electricity demand by 2050, Hydro-Quebec’s recent Action Plan relies heavily on new wind, solar and energy storage to meet the need for an additional 60 TWh by 2035.
Specifically, the utility intends to triple wind-power generation by integrating more than 8 GW of wind capacity into the grid by 2030, and 2 more by 2035. It also intends to establish the province’s first pumped-storage facility with a 1 GW capacity, and to facilitate the installation of solar panels on the homes of more than 125,000 customers by 2035.
British Columbia
B.C. currently has 746 MW of capacity (742 MW wind, 2 MW solar, 2 MW storage) and, in future, BC Hydro plans to acquire 3,000 GWh of renewable energy per year—we expect the details to be revealed in 2024.
Atlantic Canada
Parts of Atlantic Canada were home to growth in 2023, with New Brunswick adding 42 MW of wind (the Burchill Wind project from Natural Forces) and PEI adding 31 MW of utility-scale solar (City of Summerside and PEI Energy Corporation), as well as some energy storage.
The outlook for renewable energy is also looking bright. CanREA is currently tracking a total of 296 MW of projects in advanced development across the Atlantic region (280 MW onshore wind, while the rest includes both utility-scale solar and energy storage). Significant numbers of MWs could come online in the next few years.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick has less than 0.4 GW of installed capacity at this time (almost all wind, with a small amount of solar and 1.25 MW of storage), but it has big plans for the future. New Brunswick’s new energy strategy includes a 12-year road map and supporting strategies for the province to meet national and international clean-energy transition targets. It aims to increase renewables five-fold by 2035, adding 1.4 GW of new wind power, 0.2 GW of grid-scale solar power, an additional 0.1 GW of energy storage, and 0.3 GW of onsite (behind-the-meter) solar.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia currently has just 0.6 GW of installed capacity (nearly all of it wind plus a very small amount of solar), but it is poised for significant growth. The Rate Base Procurement, the PHP project and the Roswall project should add a substantial number of megawatts into the Nova Scotia grid in the coming years. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s recent 2030 Clean Power Plan aims to add more than 1 GW of new wind capacity, more than 300 MW of solar, and 300 to 400 MW of battery storage by 2030, with the potential for offshore wind post-2030. What’s more, solar net-metering is now well-established in Nova Scotia, on-site solar is growing each year, and the province’s Green Choice procurement has begun, with more coming every 18 months.
For more information
To download a summary of CanREA’s latest industry data, visit CanREA’s “By the Numbers” webpage.
CanREA members have access to a more detailed report on the members-only side of the website (as of February 2, 2024).
*See “BTM Solar: Canadian Market Outlook: How Behind-the-Meter (BTM) solar can contribute to Canada’s net-zero future,” for more information on rooftop and on-site solar in Canada.
Images
Image 1: Canada’s current installed capacity for wind, solar and energy storage (December 31, 2023): At the end of 2023, Canada had 21.9 GW of installed wind, solar and energy storage capacity, distributed across its provinces and territories as shown in this map.
Image 2: Table of provincial and territorial data (CanREA, December 31. 2023)
Image 3: Canada’s actual installed capacity vs. Targets for wind, solar and energy storage: CanREA’s 2023 data shows a total installed capacity of 21.9 GW of wind and solar energy and energy storage across Canada (brown line). We are already tracking projects that will bring at least 2 GW more to bear in 2024-5 (dotted line). Beyond that, all the provincial procurements that have been announced to date (as of December 31, 2023) represent more than 50 GW by 2035 (yellow line), but this potential growth falls short of national targets such as that set by CanREA’s 2050 Vision (red line), as well as global targets such as that agreed to at COP28 (blue line).
Quotes
“Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industry had a relatively good year in 2023, but progress fell short of the trajectory needed to meet net-zero targets. Canada has massive, untapped wind and solar resources that can be harnessed to provide the affordable, clean electricity needed in all jurisdictions. What is needed is more geographic diversity. We need to increase the pace of buildout, and we need to see deployment in all provinces and territories.”
“In 2024, CanREA will continue to advocate for policy and regulatory changes, focusing on the jurisdictions with the greatest potential for growth, to unlock the enormous opportunities offered by renewable energy and energy storage and their benefits for all Canadians.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
STATEMENT: Montréal, January 26, 2024—Hydro-Québec has selected five CanREA members for all projects in its latest call for tenders, as announced today.
“CanREA would like to congratulate its members Boralex, Kruger, Pattern, Invenergy and Innergex, who submitted all eight of the bids selected by Hydro-Québec, for a total of 1,550 megawatts (MW) of contract capacity,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
These projects will be developed in partnership with groups of municipalities including the Arthabaska, Appalaches, Érable, Jardins-de-Napierville, Manicouagan and Lotbinière RCMs, the Coopérative Régionale d’Électricité de St-Jean-Baptiste de Rouville and the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est.
Many of the projects will also incorporate the participation of Indigenous communities: the Abenaki Council of Odanak, the Conseil des Abénakis de Wôlinak, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake and the Conseil des Innus de Pessamit.
Hydro-Québec launched its call for tenders on March 31, 2023. Electricity deliveries must begin between December 1, 2027, and December 1, 2029, depending on the bid.
CanREA has played a leading role in raising awareness among a wide range of stakeholders about the need for predictability and consistency when adding renewable energy sources to meet the growing demand for energy in Quebec.
CanREA is pleased to see that this call for tenders is part of Hydro-Québec’s recent Action Plan 2035, which aims to add more than 10,000 MW of new wind energy capacity and 60 additional TWh by 2035.
“CanREA would like to congratulate its members Boralex, Kruger, Pattern, Invenergy and Innergex, which submitted all eight of the bids selected by Hydro-Québec, for a total of 1,550 megawatts (MW) of contract capacity.”
—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, CanREA
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
Wind, solar and energy storage will be pivotal to New Brunswick’s plan to increase renewables five-fold by 2035.
Ottawa, December 14, 2023—CanREA welcomes New Brunswick’s new energy strategy, published this week, which will increase the province’s supply of renewable energy five-fold by 2035.
The plan, entitled “Powering our Economy and the World with Clean Energy – Our Path Forward to 2035,” includes a 12-year road map and supporting strategies for the province to meet national and international clean-energy transition targets.
Notably, New Brunswick’s energy strategy now includes the development of 1400 MW of new wind power, 200 MW of grid-scale solar power, an additional 100 MW of energy storage, and 300 MW of onsite (behind-the-meter) solar.
“CanREA is glad to see that wind, solar and energy storage are pivotal in New Brunswick’s new energy vision,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “In order to reach a net-zero economy, the scale and speed of clean energy deployment is going to be unprecedented. CanREA would like to congratulate the government of New Brunswick for their commitment to defining an energy transition roadmap for this province.”
This roadmap includes predictable wind procurement every two years starting in 2027, that will lead to 1400 MW of new wind in the province. It also includes an annual procurement of 25 MW of grid scale solar, starting in 2028 and reaching a total of 200 MW of new, grid-scale solar power.
In this way, the renewables industry in New Brunswick will be able to seize the opportunities and advantages offered by Canada’s new investment tax credits for renewable energy production that were announced in the 2023 federal budget.
“New Brunswick’s energy strategy now provides an important long-term predictability for the industry,” said Habel, “and CanREA members will be keen to ensure the success of that deployment in the upcoming years.”
CanREA was pleased to participate in many important consultations to shape the future of energy in New Brunswick, such as NB Power’s Integrated Resource Plan and the New Brunswick Climate Action Plan, and looks forward to continued engagement with the Government of New Brunswick regarding the deployment of this new energy vision.
CanREA will also continue working with all the relevant stakeholders and rights-holders in New Brunswick, including Indigenous communities and municipalities, to ensure that the deployment of renewable energy projects is well aligned with host communities’ needs.
This new energy strategy reflects many elements of CanREA’s 2050 Vision: “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net Zero,” which highlights the importance of adding incremental amounts of renewables each year.
Quotes
“CanREA is glad to see that wind, solar and energy storage are pivotal in New Brunswick’s new energy vision. In order to reach a net-zero economy, the scale and speed of clean energy deployment is going to be unprecedented. CanREA would like to congratulate the government of New Brunswick for their commitment to defining an energy transition roadmap for this province.”
“New Brunswick’s energy strategy now provides an important long-term predictability for the industry and CanREA members will be keen to ensure the success of that deployment in the upcoming years.”
—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
First comprehensive national market outlook for behind-the-meter solar calls for 20-40 times more rooftop and onsite solar in Canada by 2050.
Ottawa, December 14, 2023— The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the first comprehensive national market outlook for rooftop and on-site solar—also known as behind-the meter (BTM) solar—which calls for scaling up rooftop solar by 20-40 times to help Canada achieve net-zero targets.
The groundbreaking report from Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, “BTM Solar: Canadian Market Outlook: How Behind-the-Meter (BTM) solar can contribute to Canada’s net-zero future,” outlines the current status of this industry in Canada and models its growth potential under different scenarios, within the context of reaching net-zero by 2050.
“CanREA commissioned this independent report to investigate the progress to date and potential market outlook for BTM solar in Canada,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “BTM solar is an important part of Canada’s renewable energy sector and it has tremendous growth potential. Canadian homeowners want it, municipalities want it, local businesses want it, and Canada needs it: all affordable clean energy solutions have a part to play in getting us to net-zero.”
Some of the report’s findings were originally presented at Electricity Transformation Canada in October 2023, by Erwin Heuck (CanREA’s DER Director) and Ahmed Hanafy (Director, Dunsky); more of the report is being made public today.
“This is the first study to quantify the potential for BTM solar deployment in Canada and its contribution to net-zero targets,” said Hanafy. “The study also describes the benefits to consumers, to the economy, and to electricity systems, and defines the actions stakeholders need to take to unlock and leverage BTM solar’s potential in this country.”
The report states that, if Canada is to achieve net-zero, we need BTM solar to meet 2-4% of our total annual electricity demand, providing 24-48 TWh per year. The current adoption rate for BTM solar in Canada is just 0.2%: residential and commercial onsite (rooftop and ground-mount) solar produce 1.5 TWh per year.
The study assesses three scenarios for the future of BTM solar, reflecting three different levels of support: A market transformation model, a scenario featuring expanded financial supports, and a business-as-usual (BAU) case.
Under the current policy environment (the BAU scenario), BTM solar uptake will fall short of the needed 2% to 4% of electricity generation needed to meet Canada’s net-zero targets.
For BTM solar to do its part for net-zero, then capacity must be scaled up by 20-40 times today’s levels by 2050. On the residential front, this means one home in three needs to become solar-equipped, compared to one in 200 homes currently.
In order to realize that potential, it is CanREA’s intention to use this study to drive further action.
“CanREA will continue to advocate for policy measures that will accelerate the adoption of BTM solar across Canada,” said Heuck. “In the short term, it is critical to refinance the Greener Homes program and to ensure a swift rollout of the Clean Technology ITC which will have a beneficial impact on the expansion of commercial rooftop solar in Canada.”
The report also states that the most impactful way to accelerate the adoption curve is to revise building codes to mandate solar in new single-family homes. This would result in an estimated 13 GW of new capacity.
In addition, putting solar on existing homes in Canada could generate an additional 11 GW, with an additional 12 GW generated by solar systems on commercial buildings. Together, this growth would account for 36 GW by 2050.
The study identifies the province of Ontario as the biggest growth potential and largest market for BTM solar, followed in order by Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and then the rest of Canada.
The full report is available exclusively to CanREA members at the Megawatt level and up, as part of the new Solar Installers Program. If you are part of this program, contact your DER Director, Erwin Heuck, to obtain your copy. If not, please contact CanREA’s Membership team to discuss your eligibility.
Note: Behind the Meter (BTM) solar can be defined as rooftop or ground-mount solar PV systems that provide power on site for all types of buildings, including both residential and commercial.
To learn more about putting solar on your house, click here. To learn more about solar energy technologies, click here.
Quotes
“CanREA commissioned this independent report to investigate the progress to date and potential market outlook for BTM solar in Canada. BTM solar is an important part of Canada’s renewable energy sector and it has tremendous growth potential. Canadian homeowners want it, municipalities want it, local businesses want it, and Canada needs it: all affordable clean energy solutions have a part to play in getting us to net-zero.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“This is the first study to quantify the potential for BTM solar deployment in Canada and its contribution to net-zero targets. The study also describes the benefits to consumers, to the economy, and to electricity systems, and defines the actions stakeholders need to take to unlock and leverage BTM solar’s potential in this country.”
—Ahmed Hanafy, Director, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
“CanREA will continue to advocate for policy measures that will accelerate the adoption of BTM solar across Canada. In the short term, it is critical to refinance the Greener Homes program and to ensure a swift rollout of the Clean Technology ITC which will have a beneficial impact on the expansion of commercial rooftop solar in Canada.”
—Erwin Heuck, DER Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
About Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
Dunsky supports leading governments, utilities, corporations and others across North America in their efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition, effectively and responsibly. With deep expertise across the Buildings, Mobility, Industry and Energy supply sectors, our team of 50+ professionals supports clients in two ways: through rigorous Analysis (of technical, economic and market opportunities) and by designing or assessing leading Strategies (plans, programs and policies).
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for announcing plans to procure 5,000 MW of new wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy.
Toronto, December 13, 2023—CanREA applauds Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for announcing its first major renewables procurement since March, 2016.
On December 11, the IESO provided a resource adequacy update to Ontario’s Minister of Energy, entitled “Evaluating Procurement Options for Supply Adequacy,” and announced it is making plans to procure a total of 5,000 MW of new energy-producing resources (wind, hydro, biomass and solar).
“This announcement provides a clear signal to our members that Ontario is ready for new renewable projects, said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Director for Ontario. “This procurement will be a significant opportunity for our members to develop low-cost wind, solar and energy storage in Ontario to meet the province’s growing needs.”
CanREA has consistently advocated with the Ministry of Energy and the IESO for clear and timely procurement targets and longer-term procurement certainty for the market. This is now being addressed by the IESO’s five-year (2024-2028), cadenced approach for upcoming procurements, including 2,000 MW of new non-emitting electricity generation by 2030 as part of the “Long-Term 2 Request for Proposals” (LT2 RFP), as well as 1,500 MW for 2032 and an additional 1,500 MW for 2034.
The IESO notes that these procurements will complement the energy-storage projects currently in operation or being developed, which could represent as much as 3,000 MW on the grid by 2028.
“Provinces across the country are investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects—Ontario will now be investing in both,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “Ontario ratepayers will be well served with this additional, affordable, clean renewable energy on the grid.”
While this announcement is an encouraging signal, there are still many challenges to address before actually getting this new clean energy connected to Ontario’s grid. CanREA will continue advocating for clear processes for Crown land access with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), for clear permitting requirements in support of upcoming energy procurements with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and for transmission expansion, particularly as it pertains to northern development, with the Ministry of Energy (MoE).
“On behalf of our members, CanREA is committed to working collaboratively with the government, the IESO and key decision-makers to address these challenges constructively,” said Muller. “There is a lot more to do in Ontario, and we are looking forward to getting it done.”
Quotes
“This announcement provides a clear signal to our members that Ontario is ready for new renewable projects. This procurement will be a significant opportunity for our members to develop low-cost wind, solar and energy storage in Ontario to meet the province’s growing needs.”
—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“Provinces across the country are investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects—Ontario will now be investing in both. Ontario ratepayers will be well served with this additional, affordable, clean renewable energy on the grid.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“On behalf of our members, CanREA is committed to working collaboratively with the government, the IESO and key decision-makers to address these challenges constructively. There is a lot more to do in Ontario, and we are looking forward to getting it done.”
—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association welcomes the launch of the Nova Scotia Green Choice Program with an RFP for 350 MW of wind and solar.
Ottawa, December 1, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to welcome the launch of the Nova Scotia Green Choice Program, as announced by the Government of Nova Scotia today. The Green Choice Program Request for Proposals will be open to wind and solar energy projects, aiming to generate 350 megawatts of renewable electricity by 2028.
“The Green Choice Program will be key in helping Nova Scotia achieve its objective of 80% renewable energy by 2030,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “Today’s RFP is an important signal for the renewable energy industry in Nova Scotia; CanREA members will play a decisive role in ensuring a responsible and sustainable energy transition.”
The Green Choice Program is a unique program that will allow participating customers to purchase up to 100% of the electricity they use from local renewable energy sources. It is part of Nova Scotia’s 2030 Clean Power Plan, aiming to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030 by adding a substantial amount of wind, solar and energy storage into the Nova Scotia’s grid.
The launch of the Green Choice Program is the culmination of a process involving collaborative discussions between the Province, suppliers, the procurement administrator, the utility and large energy buyers in Nova Scotia.
“This RFP will result in the deployment of wind and solar energy projects that will contribute to sustainable development in Nova Scotia: it will create economic opportunities in communities while also ensuring the protection of the environment. What’s more, it will significantly reduce greenhouse gases by adding 10 percent more renewable energy to the provincial grid,” said Habel.
CanREA members are collaborating with local municipalities, Indigenous Peoples and diverse stakeholders, promptly and consistently, to make sure that each project aligns with community priorities.
“CanREA’s Atlantic Network is eager to continue working with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this unique program,” concluded Habel.
Quotes
“The Green Choice Program will be key in helping Nova Scotia achieve its objective of 80% renewable energy by 2030.”
“Today’s RFP is an important signal for the renewable energy industry in Nova Scotia; CanREA members will play a decisive role in ensuring a responsible and sustainable energy transition.”
“This RFP will result in the deployment of wind and solar energy projects that will contribute to sustainable development in Nova Scotia: it will create economic opportunities in communities while also ensuring the protection of the environment. What’s more, it will significantly reduce greenhouse gases by adding 10 percent more renewable energy to the provincial grid.”
“CanREA’s Atlantic Network is eager to continue working with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this unique program.”
—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
CanREA welcomes new economic Reconciliation measures and clear timelines related to the refundable Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for wind, solar and energy-storage technologies.
Ottawa, November 21, 2023 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the announcement of a timeline for tabling the Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) legislation, as well as a new commitment to economic Reconciliation, as announced today in the Fall Economic Statement by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
“CanREA is pleased to see the Federal Government deliver on its promise of clear timelines, necessary tax measures and financing mechanisms that will help Canada remain competitive as we build the clean-energy projects that will power our economy,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
The ITCs were first announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2022 and in Budget 2023—for details, see CanREA’s statement.
“CanREA’s members are excited to put these ITCs into action. When they are rolled out, these tax credits will create the investment certainty we need to accelerate wind, solar and energy storage deployment across the country, which will then provide economic benefits, including tax dollars and landowner supports in communities,” said Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy for Western Canada and National Affairs, at CanREA.
The 2023 Fall Economic Statement included the following measures to accelerate Canada’s deployment of wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and other clean-energy technologies:
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit: Consultations have already been held; the legislation will be presented to Parliament this fall and put in place before Budget 2024. This is a refundable 30% tax credit on the capital cost of investments made by taxable entities in wind, solar PV and energy-storage technologies. It will be available to all project spending starting March 28, 2023, though to 2034.
Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit: As announced today, the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit will be split in two categories: large crown corporations, and other non-taxable entities like Indigenous Communities and municipalities. This distinction will be clarified in a forthcoming consultation and subsequent legislation. This ITC is a refundable 15% tax credit on the capital costs of investments made by non-taxable entities, such as Indigenous communities, municipally owned utilities and Crown corporations that make investments in renewable energy, energy storage and inter-provincial transmission and other non-emitting electricity infrastructure.
For both these ITCs, eligibility will extend to all investments made after Budget 2023 and remain steady through 2031 before winding down in 2035. All energy-storage technologies that do not use fossil fuels are eligible.
Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program: CanREA and other organizations called for this measure in order to help Indigenous entities participate in Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage sector. The details of this program will be available in Budget 2024.
Canadian Infrastructure Bank concessional loans: CanREA has successfully advocated for changes to the way the Government of Canada provides renewable energy financing, to encourage deployment: Canada Infrastructure Bank loans and other sources of financing will no longer limit the ITC claim and work in concert with other sources of renewable energy financing
Today’s commitments—to legislate the Clean Technology ITCs and to create the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program—will help deliver on the goals of governments, companies, and CanREA members, ensuring the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage projects with meaningful economic benefits for Indigenous peoples.
The new measures and increased clarity will help the industry accelerate the deployment of wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and other clean technologies, aiming to reduce the cost of electricity to consumers.
“CanREA has been engaged on the ITCs issue since Day One, working hard to push these important policies forward. As a next step, we look forward to working with all parties to ensure that these important new policies create and sustain good jobs from coast-to-coast-to-coast—and do so as soon as possible,” said Fernando Melo, Federal Director at CanREA, who was on site for the presentation of the Fall Economic Statement today.
For more information on powering Canada’s journey to net-zero, see CanREA’s 2050 Vision.
Quotes
“CanREA is excited to see the Federal Government deliver on its promise of clear timelines for necessary tax measures and financing mechanisms that will help Canada remain competitive as we build the clean-energy projects that will power our economy.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA
“CanREA’s members are excited to put these ITCs into action. When they are rolled out, these tax credits will create the investment certainty we need to accelerate wind, solar and energy storage deployment across the country, which will then provide economic benefits, including tax dollars and landowner supports in communities.”
—Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy for Western Canada and National Affairs, CanREA
“CanREA has been engaged on the ITCs issue since Day One, working hard to push these important policies forward. As a next step, we look forward to working with all parties to ensure that these important new policies create and sustain good jobs from coast-to-coast-to-coast—and do so as soon as possible.”
—Fernando Melo, Federal Director, CanREA
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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca
