About The Winnipeg Consensus

In October 2009, leaders from key think tanks gathered in Winnipeg for an unprecedented meeting to determine whether there was a need for high-level engagement on energy policy in Canada. Surprisingly, these diverse organizations had never gathered before around a single topic. The group agreed quickly that a national dialogue was needed on the difficult and increasingly significant role of energy in Canada's environmental and economic future and the Winnipeg Consensus was born. Three western organizations - the Business Council of Manitoba, the Canada West Foundation and the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) hosted this first meeting.

The intent of the Winnipeg meeting was to explore ways to overcome policy fragmentation and pursue opportunities that are emerging at the intersection of clean technology, infrastructure, climate change and investment in a 'green' economy. The group shared ideas about how to weave together a national (as opposed to federal) approach but also a recognition that these files are highly complex; touch on fiscal, environmental, economic, industrial, trade and energy security policies; and affect jurisdictional roles and responsibilities. It was also acknowledged that governments have taken an increasingly narrow regulatory approach to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) instead of explicitly creating a complementary energy policy that reduces emissions while also transforming energy systems, increasing energy security and promoting investment opportunities.

The group has since hosted the Banff Dialogue where the consensus was broadened. The group has agreed to continue to build the substance, begin an active conversation with the governments at both the federal and provincial levels in the coming months and will re-convene another group in Fall 2010 to further develop the strategy.