Statement by Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence
Toronto | Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – This is not an electricity strategy. Instead, it is the latest move by Prime Minister Carney to undo and weaken Canada’s climate commitments. This is a step in the wrong direction and will put Canada even further behind global peers. Wind and solar power are the cheapest source of new electricity generation, which is why renewable energy met all of the demand growth globally in 2025. And yet, this discussion paper from Canada talks about a “strategic role for gas?”
The paper speaks about the need for “predictable federal direction on emissions,” but its most significant element is creating more uncertainty by opening up the Clean Electricity Regulations, which were only finalized in December of 2024. The Clean Electricity Regulations were intended to deliver on Canada’s commitment to a net-zero grid by 2035. They fell short of that goal, but this paper proposes to weaken them even further. The new strategy moves the net-zero goal posts to 2050, opens the door to more offsets in the electricity sector, and “enables more room” for gas in the near term.
Natural gas is methane—a very potent greenhouse gas. Academic studies have shown that gas is as bad as coal in terms of its climate impacts when used to generate electricity. The reason that Canada’s electricity sector is so low-emitting is because we largely phased out coal—thanks to federal regulations. By making more room for gas, this strategy will take us backwards.
The timing of this announcement is no coincidence. In the last few weeks, PM Carney has released proposals that would eviscerate Canada’s environmental and species protections and is likely proceeding to gut the industrial carbon price. This electricity strategy release is an attempt to try to change the conversation. But this isn’t a good news story that can soften the blow dealt by the MOU with Alberta and the efforts to bend over backward to get a pipeline built. It’s another backstep on climate.
We are very supportive of the goal of strengthening Canada’s electricity system and support the goals of doubling electricity supply and accelerating electrification—while ensuring Canadians have access to affordable energy. But it is essential that Canada’s electricity system be as clean as possible. The good news is that there is no conflict between clean energy and cheap energy. Canada needs to get on board with the energy transition and embrace low-cost, clean electricity, not more gas or expensive nuclear power.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Tamara Latinovic, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
