Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA], 17 December 2024:
The final Clean Electricity Regulations released today mark an important and hard-won step towards affordable, reliable energy for Canadians.
“Shifting towards 100% renewable electricity is the backbone of a clean economy,” said Alex Cool-Fergus, National Policy Manager at Climate Action Network Canada. “It will lower energy bills, reduce pollution, create jobs, and help communities take ownership of their power systems.
“There will be plenty of work ahead to get expensive, polluting fossil fuels fully out of our electricity grid, and to build out the solar and wind capacity we’ll need. But today, we have a lot to celebrate.”
Now more than ever, Canada needs to catch up with the clean electricity revolution happening around the world. Fearmongering by fossil fuel interests and industry-captured provincial governments has delayed and diluted Canada’s momentum towards clean electricity. But with solar and wind now the cheapest forms of electricity in history, it’s time to get on track so Canadians can start reaping the benefits.
Quotes:
Stephen Thomas, Clean Energy Manager, David Suzuki Foundation:
“We’re celebrating this significant step towards clean electricity in Canada because it means more affordable energy bills, thousands of good jobs, better health outcomes, and necessary climate action. The Clean Electricity Regulations start the crucial shift away from expensive fossil fuels on the grid and toward low-cost renewable electricity.
“Yet, these regulations aren’t perfect. We fought hard, but so did fossil fuel billionaires and their lackeys. They spent millions on attack ads, misinformation and lobbyists in Ottawa. As a result, the regulations have some weaknesses, including exemptions for some new gas plants. New fossil fuel plants are a waste of time and money, and we have neither to spare.
“So today, we celebrate the wins that we’ve worked for years to secure. And tomorrow, we keep fighting for 100 per cent clean electricity, for Indigenous-led and community-led renewables, for strengthened workers rights, and for an energy system that benefits the many, not the few.”
Badia Nehme, Energy Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre:
“Although certain targets were watered down in the finalized regulation, these regulations are certainly a step in the right direction, showing a commitment to a clean, reliable and affordable energy future for all Canadians. In addition to putting pressure on Nova Scotia to follow through on its plan to phase out coal, the regulations support developing renewable energy, which will decrease energy costs for households in the long term and create jobs. These are things that Nova Scotians want and deserve.”
Nick Pearce, National Convenor, Green Economy Network:
“If done correctly, these regulations can help create hundreds of thousands of decent jobs in communities across Canada, lower energy bills and avoid hundreds of millions of tonnes of pollution that contribute to the droughts, floods and wildfires that wreak havoc across the country.
That will only be possible with workers at the table, substantial investments in skills and training, and a total commitment to creating good unionized jobs.”
Amara Possian, Canada Team Lead, 350.org:
“For too long, Big Oil and its lobbyists have profited by stalling climate progress and pushing the costs of pollution onto everyday Canadians. The federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations are a critical step toward affordable clean energy, good jobs, and healthier communities—but we need leaders to stand firm against industry lies and protect this progress. It’s time to tax record profits, invest in a livable future, and build bold, justice-centered solutions for all of us.”
Jared Blustein, Executive Director, Calgary Climate Hub:
“While far from perfect, the Federal Clean Electricity regulations represent an important step towards substantively advancing our renewable energy sector. Here in Alberta, this will help us to ensure our energy sovereignty into the future, guarantee stable well paying jobs for energy sector workers, and directly decrease energy costs for consumers, and thus lower the overall cost of living for all Albertans, all while addressing the growing climate crisis. ”
Susan O’Donnell, Spokesperson, Coalition for Responsible Energy Development in New Brunswick:
“While we applaud the recent announcement of up to $1-billion in funding for wind energy projects in partnership with First Nations in New Brunswick, we deplore the inclusion of nuclear energy, which is many times more expensive than renewables and storage. More than 130 groups across Canada signed a statement calling nuclear a “dirty, dangerous distraction” from real climate action.”
Louise Brownlee, GASP Co-chair:
“Grand(m)others Act to Save the Planet (GASP) welcomes the new Clean Electricity Regulations. We are disappointed that the new Clean Electricity Regulations will allow gas plants to continue polluting the air past 2035. Fossil-fuel induced global warming will only increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.”
Maryo Wahba, Climate Justice Policy Analyst, Citizens for Public Justice:
“The Clean Electricity Regulations represent a significant step toward achieving the government’s commitment to a 100% net-zero electricity grid—a goal shared by international partners such as the UK, the EU, and other G7 countries. However, Citizens for Public Justice is deeply disappointed that concessions to the fossil fuel industry have delayed this target from 2035 to 2050.
“Canada’s electricity grid is already largely decarbonized, with approximately 85% of power generated from hydro and wind sources. Therefore, governments should halt the approval of new gas-powered electricity generating stations and instead invest in solar and wind energy, which have been the most affordable energy sources since 2020.
“Transitioning to a net-zero electricity grid would not only reduce household energy costs by more than 12% but will also create decent jobs, improve air quality, and prevent the release of over 180 megatons of planet-heating emissions.”
Dr. Joe Vipond, a Calgary-based emergency physician and Past President of CAPE:
“We are pleased to see the federal government enact policy to help shift Canada’s grid toward cleaner and healthier forms of energy. However, the federal government’s decision to back away from a 2035 net-zero electricity grid is a disappointment for our health and future. Every year of delay means more preventable asthma attacks, hospitalizations, and premature deaths caused by fossil fuel pollution. Fossil fuels are a public health crisis—period.”
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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada is a coalition of over 180 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Vicky Coo, Communications Manager
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca