Published by Electricity Alliance Canada
To the Government of Canada,
As we mark National Electricity Month in Canada, the Electricity Alliance Canada—a coalition of six leading Canadian electricity associations—is pleased to express our strong support for the federal government’s release of Powering Canada Strong: A national strategy for an electrified Canadian economy.
On behalf of organizations representing Canada’s electricity sector, we support a strategy that recognizes electricity as essential to the country’s economic growth, energy security and long-term prosperity.
As we know, Canada’s electricity demand is set to grow significantly in the coming decades as industries expand, transportation electrifies and new technologies reshape the economy. Meeting that demand will require decisive action from all levels of government and Indigenous Nations, as well as Canada’s electricity providers.
This proposed strategy, which was announced in May, reflects a clear understanding of the scale of the challenge and opportunity ahead, and we are encouraged by the federal government’s recognition that electricity is essential to Canada’s economic growth, competitiveness and long-term prosperity.
A shared view of what is needed
The strategy reflects a clear understanding of both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity ahead for our electricity system. In particular, we support the following foundational components:
- Canada must significantly expand and modernize its electricity system. Meeting future demand will require a rapid and sustained buildout of generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. This represents a nation-building effort that will span decades and require coordinated action.
- Affordability, reliability and resilience must remain central. Canadians must continue to benefit from electricity that is dependable, cost-effective and secure.
- A diverse mix of technologies will be essential. Canada needs a diverse and complementary electricity mix; relying on hydropower, onshore wind, solar, energy storage, nuclear energy and marine renewables (offshore wind, tidal, wave and river current energy) to deliver clean, reliable power.
- We need an east–west–north electricity system. Stronger interconnections within and between provinces and territories are essential to unlocking new supply, improving system reliability and supporting regional development.
- Long-term investment requires stable and predictable policy frameworks. Aligning investment tools with actual project timelines, supported by sustained capital and regulatory certainty across jurisdictions, will be key to attracting private investment and accelerating delivery.
- Workforce capacity will be critical to success. Building, operating and maintaining an expanded electricity system will require a significant increase in skilled workers, supported by expanded training, apprenticeships and education capacity.
- Collaboration will be essential. Achieving these goals will require strong coordination among federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities, industry and labour.
Moving from strategy to implementation
We believe this strategy provides a strong foundation. The priority now is to translate ambition into action.
To support timely implementation, we encourage the Government of Canada to focus on accelerating project approvals and permitting processes, strengthening investment incentives, advancing transmission infrastructure, reducing regulatory barriers across jurisdictions, prioritizing workforce development, and engaging Indigenous communities through consultation.
A shared commitment
Canada has a unique opportunity to build one of the most advanced, reliable and clean electricity systems in the world. With strong resources, industrial capacity and a skilled workforce, the country is well positioned to succeed.
We are committed to working with the Government of Canada and Indigenous communities to help deliver this vision and ensure Canada’s electricity system continues to power opportunities for Canadians.
Respectfully,
Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA); Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA); Electricity Canada; Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC); Marine Renewables Canada (MRC); WaterPower Canada