TORONTO — Ollie Sheldrick-Moyle, program manager at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to today’s launch of the inaugural Canada Investment Summit:
“As the Canada Investment Summit kicks off this morning, the deal book released last week showcases Canada’s potential to become a clean energy superpower while highlighting a gap between ambition and reality.
“The deal book’s more than 160 listed projects offer a glimpse of what a Canadian clean energy superpower could look like. And as Canada looks to attract new investment and diversify its economic relationships, it suggests many of our most compelling investment opportunities lie in sectors driving the global energy transition.
“Depending on exactly how you categorize them, roughly half of the projects currently featured in the prospectus are in clean economy sectors. Critical mineral projects are particularly prominent, reflecting the significant potential Canada has to provide the world with the resources and value-added products to build batteries, EVs, electricity infrastructure, and a host of clean technologies.
“The breadth of clean economy projects also reinforces the benefits they can bring to Canadians and communities from coast to coast to coast, ranging from graphite mining in Saskatchewan and battery cathode manufacturing in Quebec to hydroelectric generation in New Brunswick and the transmission infrastructure needed to unlock Atlantic Canada’s offshore wind potential.
“But the deal book as it currently stands also points to the challenges and barriers Canada needs to overcome to realize its clean energy superpower potential.
“While the forecast value of clean economy projects is significant, many appear to be in the early stages of development, meaning those headline investment figures are better understood as indicators of ambition and momentum rather than guaranteed economic outcomes.
“The more important question is how Canada can move more of these projects from proposal to construction and operation. Doing so will require private and public investment, but it will also require the support of and prioritization by every level of government to align on policy, regulation, and infrastructure planning.
“What this deal book makes clear is that Canada does not have a shortage of opportunities in the clean economy. The success of this summit should be evaluated on how well Canada converts that potential into real projects, real economic growth, and real jobs—driven by a clear strategy for how Canada can realize its opportunity to be a clean energy superpower and lead in a rapidly changing global economy.”
RESOURCES
Report: A Critical Moment: The EU is looking to diversify its critical mineral supply chain as it builds a cleaner economy—and Canada has what it needs. Now is the moment for a stronger partnership
Report: Connecting the Dots: Canada should ensure its project of national interest designation is helping build clean, competitive industries—not just individual projects—starting with four focus areas
Report: The World Next Door: Aligning Canada’s economy with our new reality means building trade alliances beyond the U.S., where clean equals competitive
