“Now, more than ever, Canadians are looking for ways to decarbonize our economy, and renewable electricity will play a crucial role in this shift. A national price on carbon pollution can help accelerate this transition.” — John Gorman, Canadian Solar Industries Association
“A carbon price will accelerate the integration of clean, renewable generation sources into Canada’s electricity grid. And the more we electrify our economy—from transportation, to industry to buildings, —with non-emitting renewable resources, the faster and deeper we can cut greenhouse gas pollution and ensure Canada delivers on its commitments.” — Robert Hornung, Canadian Wind Energy Association
“Pricing carbon emissions on its own won’t enable Canada to reduce emissions in line with our targets—other complementary measures will be required. One such measure is for the federal and provincial governments to adopt and facilitate achievement of national targets for electricity generation that move us close to 100 per cent zero-carbon electricity by 2050.” — Jacob Irving, Canadian Hydropower Association
“This is a positive step that will drive innovation, and as markets increasingly demand renewable energy solutions there is an opportunity increase the export of Canadian renewable electricity, technologies, services and products to markets around the world.” — Elisa Obermann, Marine Renewables Canada
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KEY FACTS
- Renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, and water currently meet 65 percent of Canada’s electricity needs.
- Canada has the cleanest, most renewable electricity generation system in the G7, and the fourth largest renewable energy capacity in the world.
- A recent report for the United Nations identified boosting renewable electricity production—in combination with electrifying buildings, industry, and transportation—as a key step on a path Canada can take to “decarbonize” its economy. (Source: Pathways to Deep Decarbonization - Canada Chapter, Sustainable Development Solutions Network & Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, 2014.)
- A recent study by more than 60 of Canada’s leading academics identified renewable electricity as a key climate change solution. They note that Canada could completely decarbonize its electricity systems by 2035, which would make it possible for our country to adopt long-term pollution reduction targets consistent with our international obligations to act on climate disruption. (Source: Acting on Climate Change - Solutions from Canadian Scholars, Sustainable Canada Dialogues, 2015.)
RESOURCES
- SUBMISSION: Let’s Talk Climate Action—Recommendations for Capitalizing on Canada's Renewable Electricity Advantage
- REPORT: Powering Climate Prosperity: Canada’s Renewable Electricity Advantage
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Visit www.renewableelectricity.ca