Ottawa: The Federal Government’s Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV) released a report July 19 outlining an energy future for Canada, based on “responsible” energy development and a low-emissions economy.
Seeing dynamic changes taking place in the global energy picture, under the title “Now or Never” on the cover page, the committee added the statement “Canada must act urgently to seize its place in the new energy world order.”
“We see Canada’s potential as the most productive energy nation in the world, with the highest levels of environmental performance” said Senator David Angus, Committee Chair. “But we also conclude that there is a great sense of urgency – and we need an energy literacy that includes a profound recognition that energy pervades all aspects of our lives, and is a key element of our social fabric. The future is fraught with peril if we don’t get it right.”
“As Canadians, we take great pride in our energy development,” said Senator Grant Mitchell, Committee Deputy Chair. ”Our world-leading supply of resources in oil, natural gas, hydro and uranium, our advanced development of alternative energy sources, and our use of innovative energy technologies like smart grids and carbon capture and storage integrate into a first-class system to support all Canadians.”
An editorial in the Toronto Globe and Mail July 23 said of the report, "the underlying message is that a co-ordinated approach is key and that all stakeholders must be at the table." It stressed, "It is time for Canada to adopt a national energy strategy that takes into account the interests of government, business, environmentalists and first nations."
The study produced thirteen priorities for action to achieve long-term and affordable energy solutions, addressing the challenges and opportunities of responsible development and energy efficiency:
1. Canada must strive for collaborative energy leadership, with all levels of government, industry, environmental groups and Aboriginal leaders working together.
2. Advance nation-building through energy infrastructure, with modernized and expanded electricity systems and oil and gas pipelines.
3. Natural gas as a game-changing fuel whose expansion should be encouraged.
4. Encourage energy efficiency and conservation and energy literacy.
5. Frame a strong strategy for energy employment.
6. Strengthen the foundation for energy innovation, with effective design and funding priorities of R&D energy programs.
7. Pursue high-level environmental performance of non-renewable energy sources, including the minimization of energy sector activities on water, land and air.
8. Hydropower is a low-emitting source of energy, a key priority for the country, and every opportunity for its responsible expansion must be undertaken.
9. Canada must continue to foster its substantial emerging renewable energy resources, including water, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and marine energy.
10. Regulatory reform: streamline environmental reviews while ensuring rigorous environmental oversight, especially for major projects.
11. Guide responsible Northern and Arctic energy exploration & development, with its potential to create economic and social benefits for Northerners, Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians.
12. Maintain strong support for Canada’s nuclear industry
13. Speak for Canada. The federal government must fulfill a leadership role in clearly, accurately and forcefully communicating Canada’s energy story to the world.
Visit the committee website http://senate-senat.ca/enev-e.asp for detailed information regarding public hearings and other committee activities and to obtain digital copies of previous committee reports.