Canada’s 2050 low-carbon strategy provides us with a ‘distinct advantage’

Renewable electricity is key to Canadian efforts to cut carbon pollution and deliver clean growth

OTTAWA — The Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity made the following statement in response to the federal government’s Mid-Century Long-Term Low-Greenhouse Gas Development Strategy:

QUOTES

“As the strategy makes clear, Canada’s clean electricity system provides us with a comparative advantage. With more than 65 per cent of our electricity coming from renewable sources and room to grow, Canada is a leader amongst the G7 group of countries.”
—Elisa Obermann, Marine Renewables Canada

“With an electricity grid powered by clean, renewable electricity Canada can take steps to electrify our economy—from transportation, to industry to buildings—delivering faster and deeper cuts to greenhouse gas pollution.”
—Jacob Irving, Canadian Hydropower Association

“With its diverse mix of renewables available from coast to coast to coast, in the coming decades Canada can transition our energy system to one that is dominated by clean renewable energy.”
—Robert Hornung, Canadian Wind Energy Association

“When it comes to addressing climate change in a way that creates a healthier environment and a prosperous economy, Canada has a distinct advantage—a renewable electricity advantage.”
—John Gorman, Canadian Solar Industries Association

KEY FACTS

Renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, and water currently meet 65 per cent of Canada’s electricity needs.

Canada has the cleanest, most renewable electricity generation system in the G7, and the fourth largest renewable energy capacity in the world.

A recent report for the United Nations identified boosting renewable electricity production—in combination with electrifying buildings, industry, and transportation—as a key step on a path Canada can take to “decarbonize” its economy. (Source: Pathways to Deep Decarbonization – Canada Chapter, Sustainable Development Solutions Network & Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, 2014.)

CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

Dan Woynillowicz
media@renewableelectricity.ca
Mobile: 250-551-2072

SUBMISSION: Let’s Talk Climate Action—Recommendations for Capitalizing on Canada’s Renewable Electricity Advantage 

REPORT: Powering Climate Prosperity: Canada’s Renewable Electricity Advantage

ABOUT THE COUNCIL
Established in 2015, the Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity is a non-partisan organization that allows Canada’s leading national renewable electricity industry associations to collaborate, educate and pursue common opportunities as a solutions provider to the critical challenge of decarbonizing the North American energy system while bolstering economic growth.