Spotlight on Energy
As the world’s energy system continues its transformation, Canada is uniquely positioned thanks to its strategic location and its diversified endowment of oil, natural gas, hydro, wind and solar energy resources. But Canada also faces major challenges including limited market access, growing socio-environmental expectations and unprecedented technological disruption.
This Spotlight explores Canada’s energy sector from multiple critical perspectives. Among other key topics, it looks at the role of our hydrocarbon and hydropower sectors, the key function of energy storage in our transition to renewables, the participation of Indigenous communities in a decarbonized and decentralized global energy future.
Event Alignment: North America Region Energy Forum
Organized by The Energy Council of Canada
Key Takeaways & Calls to Action
- We need to consider electricity at a regional level, not at a provincial or state level. This would lead to closer collaboration, more information sharing, accelerated joint development in target areas, and faster decarbonization our economies and regions.
- Fossil fuel companies can help Canada’s energy transition by contributing towards carbon tax revenues and investing their revenues into sustainable innovation.
- Energy storage and Canada’s expertise in building independent off-grid energy systems in remote communities and challenging conditions represent a big export opportunity for Canada.
- Energy companies should give Indigenous communities equity positions in energy projects within their jurisdiction to give them a sense of ownership and enhance industry-community collaboration. They must also use their supply chains to encourage Indigenous business development.
The Large Hydro Producer
Eric Martel
President & CEO - Hydro-Québec
"It is crucial to focus on technological innovation when thinking about the energy transition."
The Major LNG Project
Susannah Pierce
Director, External Relations - LNG Canada
"I would advise every organization to give as much importance to sustainability interests as they give to the CFO and CTO."
The Energy Storage Champion
Annette Verschuren
Chair & CEO - NRStor
"Once we develop the capability to store energy, we will be able to integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind into our energy system in a much more significant way."
The Aboriginal Business Leader
JP Gladu
President & CEO - Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
"Engage earlier and engage often. Do not bring Indigenous communities in when you have already put your whole project together."
Featured Interview
Renewable Energy and Reconciliation: Clean Energy’s Impact on Indigenous Communities
David Isaac
President - W Dusk Energy Group
Featured Interview
Mining Companies Benefit from Long-term Relationships With First Nations
Bruce McIvor
Principal - First Peoples Law
Featured Interview
Aboriginal Business is Growing Faster Than the Canadian Economy
JP Gladu
President & CEO - Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Featured Interview
Indigenous Business Success is Canada’s Success
Carol Anne Hilton
Senior Advisor to the Federal Finance Minister - Advisory Council on Economic Growth