Canadians Give Voice to a Vision for Canada's Energy Future

WINNIPEG, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Generation Energy has helped launch Canada on its way to a stronger economy, healthier communities and a more sustainable future for generations to come.

More than 600 top experts, industry representatives, traditional and emerging energy sectors, and Indigenous and community leaders from across the country and around the globe gathered in Winnipeg for the Conversation of a Generation on how Canada is preparing for the reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy economy of the future.

Hosted by Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, the interactive forum was the culmination of a six-month engagement that touched more than 350,000 people through online participation, as well as in-person panels and workshops.

Discussions at the forum reflected the appetite Canadians have shown for helping to shape their energy future.

The indisputable take-away was that global energy markets are rapidly changing, the energy transition is already underway and the energy mix will change. However, the pace and scope are uncertain, so long-term, predictable, inclusive policy direction will be integral to the transition.

This presents a tremendous opportunity: as a global energy player, Canada is positioned to contribute to global energy security and benefit from the energy transition through innovation and trade.

The participants said there is no single solution, because all energy sources are part of the path forward. Canada's energy future is likely to be as diverse as its people. As a result, they agreed that the policy approach will need to emphasize bold leadership and action, risk-taking, entrepreneurship and the creation of new energy industries.

Collaboration among all levels of government, as well as inclusion of diverse views and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples will be needed.

The feedback from the forum, as well as that gathered over the last six months, will help to define Canada's energy future for the next generation, as the Government develops an energy policy direction to complement the work being done by the provinces and territories.

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"We have a unique moment to set out ambitions for this generation and the next with regard to energy policy. This will be a challenge, but it's clear to me that Canada needs to use this opportunity to set a path forward so we can maximize our energy advantage through bold political leadership supported by the people to whom we are accountable."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada