Canada's energy future
hans.dek...@gmail.com
imperatives
Last April, the Canadian Federal Government released the Draft
Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions. In this document, the
Government proposed restrictions on Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and certain
other kinds of emissions. According to a recent report by The
Conference Board of Canada, an independent research and consultancy
agency, emission policies need to be integrated with general energy
policies.
The report by the Conference Board describes how in the past, Canadian
energy development strategies focused on low-cost electric power,
crude oil, and accessible energy resources. These strategies led to a
strong energy industry that has contributed to Canadian prosperity.
But today, the world's appetite for cheap energy is counterbalanced by
climate change concerns and GHG emission restrictions. The country's
current energy vision must reflect these changes. It should integrate
environmental imperatives, instead of developing energy and
environmental policies separately.
The Conference Board suggests that Canada 'ought to have a clear
vision of its energy future, and a clear strategy to position us as a
world leader in using energy more efficiently and in reducing GHG
emissions from the energy we produce and consume.' This means that any
forward-looking energy strategy should include measures to stimulate
energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The report also emphasizes that the energy policy should be developed
in a more streamlined and better coordinated manner among all levels
of government (federal, provincial, territorial, and local).
Reference
The report 'Canada's Energy Future/An Integrated Path' by The
Conference Board of Canada.
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/drupal/node/2142