Banff Report: Towards a Canadian Clean Energy Strategy
Three overarching themes and conclusions emerged from the discussions:
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It was the unanimous view that there was a definite need for a "Canadian Clean Energy Strategy" and it is needed now.
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It is essential that this strategy concentrate not only on energy supply but also on the demand side of the equation, emphasizing conservation and reduced demand by Canadians.
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Only when we put a price on carbon will we recognize the fundamental relationship between energy and environment and through such a price, conservation will be encouraged as well as environmental protection.
The report proposes that a Canadian Clean Energy Strategy would feature four overarching principles:
- Economic opportunity
- Social responsibility
- Environmental stewardship
- International strategy in relation to trade and development of new markets
The report identifies the following key building blocks that would flow from these overarching principles:
- Energy Demand
- Energy Supply
- Energy/Environment: Elements that cut across the energy-environment field
- Trade/Export - The United States and Beyond
- Manufacturing/Technology
- Regulatory Issues
- Education / Human Resources / Training
The report also includes a lengthy discussion of the role federal, provincial and even municipal governments can assume in developing and implementing the strategy. The particular challenges of Canada's federal and provincial dynamics were explored in a paper entitled Creating a Canadian Energy Framework (PDF - 66 kb).
