RNNR Committee, Oct. 23 (Pt 1)

I've had a lot of questions from constituents frustrated that the Sustainable Jobs Act is being held up by the Conservatives in committee. We are now entering the third week and it is STILL being filibustered by the Cons.

On Monday, October 23rd, I was disappointed to see Conservative Members of the Natural Resources Committee filibuster our witnesses, some of whom who took their time to fly to Ottawa to testify. Our committee had been discussing Canada’s Clean Energy response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, with witnesses from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Climate Institute, the Net-Zero Advisory Body, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Unifor Quebec, and the Canadian Labour Congress. I had some important questions I wanted to ask the Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Climate Institute, but I sadly never got the chance to speak due to the Conservative filibuster and antics.

I have one clip here that shows the motion the Conservatives moved, which had no relevance to the discussion at hand as its sole purpose was to disrupt Committee.

Questions to Suncor CEO

Thank you Suncor CEO Richard Kruger for speaking with the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and answering my questions about Canada's ongoing work to reduce Green House Gas emissions and the impacts of the oil and gas sector on climate change.

Editorial: 5 Ways Canada is Leading in the Clean Economy

As the Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, I have the pleasure of working with colleagues from every region of this country to study and determine the actions that are at the centre of Canada’s clean and prosperous future.

Certainly, we are experiencing transformative progress taking place in Canada’s clean economy. The federal government’s commitment to sustainable development and forward-thinking policies has positioned our nation as one of the best places to invest in this rapidly growing sector. This is thanks in large part to over six years of investments in strategic sectors, supported by programs like smart grids and infrastructure financing. In the newly passed Budget 2023, the government is building on this legacy by delivering both transformational and job-creating tax incentives for clean technology and a historic set of investments in the backbone of this clean economy: the electrical grid. 

The fact is, we are seeing remarkable clean economic opportunities flourishing across different regions of our country.

An Overview of Canada’s Clean Economy

The growth of our low-carbon industries is not limited to one specific region or sector. From coast to coast, Canadian provinces and territories are capitalizing on their unique strengths to pave the way for a greener future. 

“Clean economy initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also created numerous well-paying jobs for local communities.”

1. British Columbia’s Clean Economy

In my home province of British Columbia, the province’s leadership in clean technology innovation can be seen in our cutting-edge Carbon Engineering facility, where CO2 is being drawn out of the atmosphere. In terms of clean fuels, drivers in the interior can now benefit from the new federally-funded hydrogen refuelling station that opened recently in Kelowna. These clean economy initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also created numerous well-paying jobs for local communities.

2. Sustainable Agriculture in the Prairies

In the prairie provinces, vast expanses of arable land are being leveraged for sustainable agriculture and bioenergy initiatives. Through federal support, farmers have adopted innovative practices to reduce carbon footprints, harnessing biogas from agricultural waste and utilizing renewable energy sources to power their operations. These efforts have bolstered agricultural resilience while opening up new economic avenues for rural communities.

3. Electric Vehicles in Ontario

In Ontario, the automotive industry has embraced the electric vehicle revolution. Federal investments in manufacturing facilities and research and development have encouraged the production of clean, zero-emission vehicles, placing Canada at the forefront of this transformative industry. This shift to electric vehicles is not only reducing our dependence on fossil fuels but also positioning Ontario as a hub for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing, attracting international investors and creating skilled jobs for our workforce.

4. Offshore Wind in Atlantic Canada

In Atlantic Canada, the vast offshore wind potential along the coastlines is unlocking immense clean energy opportunities. The federal government’s commitment to supporting offshore wind projects will be on full display this fall as we move forward with C-49 to create this new sector, and we need industry to be ready to deliver good projects and good jobs. These developments are not only providing clean and reliable energy sources but also driving economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.

5. Investing in the North

In the North, where the impacts of climate change are particularly pronounced, the federal government is working hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities to promote sustainable resource management and clean energy initiatives. Investments in solar and hydro projects are reducing diesel dependency, improving energy security, and empowering local Indigenous populations with economic opportunities rooted in their traditional knowledge and connection to the land. 

These examples represent only a fraction of the remarkable clean economic opportunities emerging across Canada. Through federal funding, incentives, and supportive policies, the government is fostering an environment where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and sustainable practices are rewarded.

“By championing the clean economy in various regions, Canada is attracting domestic and international investors, generating jobs, and reducing emissions.”

As we continue our journey towards a greener and more prosperous future, it is essential to recognize the invaluable role the federal government plays in creating an enabling environment for the clean economy to thrive. By championing the clean economy in various regions, Canada is attracting domestic and international investors, generating jobs, and reducing emissions, all while positioning ourselves as global leaders in the transition to a sustainable future.

The time to invest in the clean economy is now, and Canada is the place to do it. Our message to industry, workers, and communities is simple: Let’s seize this historic opportunity, working together to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all Canadians.

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Published in The Future Economy