TORONTO — Rachel Doran, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the passage of Bill C-5 in the House of Commons.
“Last Friday, Bill C-5 passed the House of Commons. As we noted when the bill was tabled, ‘to seize opportunities in the global energy transition and ensure the resilience of our economy with the required urgency, Canada must build the foundations of our growing clean economy today.’
“We welcome the inclusion of a project’s potential to “contribute to clean growth and to Canada’s objectives with respect to climate change” as factors mentioned for consideration in the Building Canada Act. And we once again wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, which will be vital to removing federal barriers to interprovincial trade and improving labour mobility within Canada.
“This two-part bill could achieve big things in the clean economy, depending on details of implementation. For example, fast-tracking transmission projects can enhance Canada’s energy security and get more Canadian-made clean power to industrial facilities. Ensuring workers required to build clean economy projects (such as geologists, engineers, EV mechanics, wind turbine technicians, and heat pump installers) are prioritized in labour mobility efforts can also help get clean growth projects built faster. It’s now onto the Senate to ensure Bill C-5 sticks the landing.
“One change that must be made is that ‘contribution to Canada’s climate goals’ should be a ‘must-have’ and not solely one of many factors to consider. With global investment in clean technologies this year on track to be double the total spent bringing oil, natural gas, and coal to market, our future prosperity depends on our ability to build up industries set to prosper in the energy transition. Another safeguard should be a shorter time horizon for these extraordinary powers, such as the Pembina Institute’s recommendation of limiting their use to three years.
“It will also be crucial that the bill pursues its objectives in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the federal government’s commitment to reconciliation. Building the clean infrastructure Canada needs to remain competitive in the fast-changing global economy will only be possible if the government engages in good faith consultation prior to approving projects and works proactively to ensure Indigenous Peoples have the capacity and opportunity to economically participate in these projects, including through equity opportunities.
“Clean Energy Canada looks forward to working with governments and clean industry partners to help ensure these unique powers are used to catalyze the clean economic growth that will serve Canada not just today—but for the long tomorrow.”
KEY FACTS
- Bill C-5 states that, in determining whether a project is in the national interest, the Governor in Council may consider any factor they consider relevant, including the extent to which the project can:
- Strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security;
- Provide economic or other benefits to Canada;
- Have a high likelihood of successful execution;
- Advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples; and
- Contribute to clean growth and to meeting Canada’s objectives with respect to climate change.
- Of Canada’s 10 largest non-U.S. trade partners, all have net-zero commitments and carbon pricing systems, and roughly half apply carbon border adjustments on imports and have domestic EV requirements reshaping their car markets. Read Clean Energy Canada’s report.
