Energy

Faced with climate change and diminishing resources globally, we are at a critical juncture for energy policy. Now, more than ever, we need a Canadian Energy Strategy that ensures energy security and helps transition to sustainable energy production and consumption. Instead, Canada is taking a “free market” approach to the oil and gas industry with no energy strategy that addresses where our energy comes from, where it is going, or the high price of environmental devastation that comes with producing it. Governments have signed this control away through multilateral agreements such as NAFTA and the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP).

Canada now produces about 40 per cent more oil than it consumes, yet Quebec and Atlantic Canada rely on imports to meet 90 per cent of their oil needs. Thanks to NAFTA, Canada now exports two-thirds of the oil and close to 60 per cent of the natural gas produced each year to the U.S. Market forces alone cannot satisfy essential national energy requirements; our government must assume more responsibility for performing this role.

The Council of Canadians believe we need a Canadian Energy Strategy that gives Canadians security of their energy supplies, guaranteed access to energy reserves in times of need, and strong policies that protect our environment and focus on transitioning to sustainable energy production and consumption. Without a strategy, our country will continue to be a victim of an energy gold rush.

NAFTA 101
with Prof. Saurus

Learn why Nafta Saurus loves NAFTA so much; and why 61% of Canadians agree that NAFTA should be renegotiated to include enforceable labour and environmental standards

View Flash »

The Council of Canadians has intervener standing in the proceeding before the Ontario Energy Board on the proposed Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP). The Harris government dismantled Ontario Hydro, but the largest portion of its generation and transmission assets are still in public hands. The McGuinty government will now decide whether it can achieve its energy security and conservation goals by continuing with policies of privatization, de-regulated market reform, and increasing integration with the US.

The Council of Canadians has produced three expert reports for the IPSP hearings. Two of these were written by Canada’s leading experts on free trade and the electricity sector. These point out the folly of the government’s present course given the severe constraints imposed by NAFTA and US electricity sector rules constrains the authority of provincial regulators, undermines Ontario energy security; and pave the way for higher energy costs.

The third report offers an alternative. It presents a real plan for Canadian energy security and cooperation - a regional transmission grid that would provide for the integration of Ontario’s power system with other provinces, rather than the US. There are a number of other interveners raising concerns with the plan including questions of environmental sustainability, First Nations grievances and concerns with support for nuclear energy expansion. Click here (PDF 8MB) to read the evidence of the Council of Canadians before the Ontario Energy Board.

On May 14, 2007, the Council of Canadians’ Lyn Gorman made a presentation to the Alberta Royalty Review Panel, arguing that the current royalty regime is “outdated,” and “does not serve the long-term interests of Albertans.” The impartial panel was appointed by the Alberta government in February 2007 to complete a thorough review of the province’s royalties and taxes on energy. Click here to read the presentation.

Energy position paper (PDF) - Drafted by the Council of Canadians’ Board-Staff Committee on Energy, August 2007

MULTIMEDIA

Canadian energy needs should come first (VIDEO)
Gordon Laxer, Parkland Institute Director and member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Canadians, explains how Canada’s lack of a national energy plan or security policy leaves the country at risk during a time of supply crisis. August 2007

Nationalize Oil - Gordon Laxer, Parkland Institute Director and member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Canadians. The Current for May 3, 2007 (CBC Radio)
(scroll down the page to "Listen to The Current: Part 1")

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