Calgary Campaign Stop: Carney Emphasizes Transition to Clean Energy While Addressing Climate Red Tape.
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Published on April 11th 2025
In a recent campaign event in Calgary, Liberal leader Mark Carney faced a divided reception for his proposal to prioritize clean electricity as part of Canada's vision to become a "global energy superpower." Despite his focus on clean energy, there remain questions about his commitment to "conventional energy" and lingering worries about bureaucratic obstacles hindering local climate initiatives. Carney emphasized three fundamental pillars of his party's energy strategy for the upcoming April 28 federal election: energy security, trade diversification, and long-term competitiveness. "Canada has a unique opportunity to lead as an energy superpower, balancing clean and conventional energy while reducing climate emissions," he affirmed. "Our goal is to build the strongest economy in the G7 along with reliable access to affordable clean energy." He called for the federal government to enhance Canada's energy sovereignty by:
- Collaborating with provinces and territories to establish an East-West electricity grid, which he described as a monumental nation-building effort to ensure Canadians have access to affordable and reliable clean electricity.
- Investing in both conventional and clean energy resources to lessen dependence on the U.S. and foster relationships with trustworthy trading partners. His proposal highlighted intentions to:
- Launch a First and Last Mile Fund to kickstart the clean energy supply chain and support vital mineral projects.
- Expedite national interest clean energy projects through a unified regulatory review process, while maintaining environmental standards and Indigenous consultations.
- Increase the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion. - Advance existing clean energy tax credits and fortify the Canada Growth Fund, including support for carbon contracts for difference.
- Create a new federal office for major projects with a commitment to making decisions within a two-year timeframe instead of five.
Cautious Optimism and Concerns About Conventional Energy: In his remarks, Carney asserted the necessity for Canada to "choose its partners carefully," using language that resonated with stakeholders focused on climate action.
He warned against the economic and moral failures of ignoring climate change but reiterated the need for both clean and low-carbon conventional energy to maintain economic strength in the G7. Despite the Liberal Party's emphasis on clean energy and community initiatives, the continued reference to conventional energy prompted criticism from climate advocates. Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada, welcomed the focus on clean electricity but cautioned that "conventional energy" could simply reinforce the status quo of fossil fuel expansion. She stressed the need for clarity, urging that "renewables are our pathway to security," while expressing concerns that the current approach could lead to increased emissions and associated climate risks.
Call for Streamlining Clean Energy Projects: On the same day as Carney's address, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) highlighted the need for regulatory reforms to facilitate the development of local clean energy projects. TAF's Senior Manager of Climate Policy, Evan Wiseman, criticized the current environment where fossil fuel industries are receiving regulatory leniency while clean technology initiatives face obstacles. He argued that by removing outdated regulations that unintentionally hinder the clean energy transition, significant job creation and economic efficiency could occur.
Wiseman noted that TAF's consultations with various sectors had revealed numerous outdated bylaws and regulations that are now slowing down necessary climate actions, urging that these barriers require urgent attention alongside Carney's initiative. Political Dynamics and Public Perception: Polls indicate that Carney, rather than Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, is gaining public credit for the recent repeal of the controversial consumer carbon tax implemented by the previous Trudeau government.
An Abacus Data survey reported that 55% of respondents attributed the tax removal to Carney, compared to only 28% recognizing Poilievre's efforts. This shift suggests Carney may be experiencing a political advantage from distancing himself from the government that initially enacted the tax. In related campaign developments, Canadian scientists have voiced concerns over Poilievre's promise to prevent "woke ideology" from influencing federal research funding allocations. Evidence for Democracy responded by launching a non-partisan website advocating for a science-focused approach in the election.
The discourse surrounding various party platforms has sparked more thorough analyses, with findings suggesting that under the Liberal plan, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions would decrease by 2035, while emissions could rise under a Conservative government planning to eliminate existing performance regulations alongside the carbon tax.