Natural Resources

The committee met to discuss Canada's energy policies, focusing on the country's move towards green energy, becoming energy self-sufficient, and ensuring its energy security. Two experts shared their views on these important topics. Christian Leuprecht, a professor, argued that Canada's current spending on clean energy, like solar and wind, is very expensive and has mostly benefited Chinese companies. He said that Canada is still very dependent on fossil fuels and that the shift to green energy is happening too slowly. He also pointed out that provinces like Quebec and British Columbia are now importing electricity from the United States, which he sees as a major policy failure. Alex MacDonald, a public policy expert, suggested that Canada should start enriching its own uranium for peaceful nuclear energy. He explained that Canada's new small nuclear reactors will need enriched uranium, and currently, much of the world's supply comes from countries that are not allies. He believes enriching uranium in Canada would boost energy security, create jobs, and bring significant economic benefits. Committee members questioned the experts on various points, including the economic impact of current energy policies, the influence of China, and the details of Quebec's electricity trade with the U.S. There was a lively debate about whether Canada's energy strategies are truly benefiting the country. No specific decisions were made regarding the study during this meeting. However, committee members requested that the Minister of Natural Resources appear at a future meeting to discuss departmental plans.

The committee met to discuss how nuclear energy can help Canada meet its growing electricity needs, become more energy independent, and secure its energy supply. The meeting featured experts from the nuclear industry who shared their views on the benefits and challenges of expanding nuclear power in Canada. George Christidis from the Canadian Nuclear Association highlighted that Canada will need to double or triple its electricity by 2050, and nuclear power is a reliable and cost-effective way to achieve this. He asked the government to provide tax credits for large nuclear projects, simplify regulations by having one main federal regulator, and help train more workers. Dale Austin from Cameco Corporation spoke about Canada's strong position in uranium production and nuclear fuel, emphasizing that nuclear energy can provide clean, stable power. Sam Boutziouvis from AtkinsRéalis advocated for a "made-in-Canada" nuclear strategy using CANDU technology, arguing it would keep jobs and money in Canada and strengthen the country's global leadership in nuclear technology. Committee members asked about Canada's role as a trusted nuclear exporter and how to remain a world leader. One committee member raised concerns about nuclear safety, public perception of risk, and the high costs of nuclear projects compared to renewable energy. Mr. Christidis clarified that the industry is not asking for reduced safety but for a single, efficient regulatory process. The discussion also touched on the nuclear fuel supply chain, the lack of uranium enrichment in Canada, and the potential for small modular reactors (SMRs) to provide energy to remote and Indigenous communities. No formal decisions were made during the meeting. However, the witnesses were invited to provide more detailed written information, especially regarding the cost-competitiveness of nuclear power and their regulatory proposals. The committee acknowledged an upcoming national nuclear energy strategy, with some members suggesting that action is needed sooner to address Canada's energy challenges.

The parliamentary committee met to discuss Canada's future energy needs, focusing on increasing electricity use, becoming more energy independent, and ensuring secure energy for the country. Government officials and academic experts shared their views on how Canada can achieve these goals, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. The first panel featured representatives from the Canadian Energy Regulator, Natural Resources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Darren Christie from the Canadian Energy Regulator presented findings from their "Canada's Energy Future 2026" report, predicting a significant increase in electricity demand by 2050. Drew Leyburne from Natural Resources Canada introduced the national electricity strategy, which aims to double Canada's electricity systems in an affordable way, emphasizing the importance of resilient energy systems and federal support for interprovincial connections. Joanna Ankersmit from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs discussed efforts to help northern communities reduce their reliance on diesel and support Indigenous involvement in energy projects. Committee members questioned the cost of this expansion and the accuracy of long-term energy forecasts. The second panel consisted of academic experts: Normand Mousseau from the University of Montreal, Blake Shaffer from the University of Calgary, and Pierre-Olivier Pineau from HEC Montréal. Professor Mousseau noted Canada's slow progress in electrifying its economy compared to other countries and called for strategic policies to accelerate the adoption of modern electrical technologies. Professor Shaffer advocated for stronger interprovincial electricity connections and flexible energy demand to manage peak loads and reduce costs. Professor Pineau raised concerns about Canada's high energy consumption per person, suggesting that the focus should be on using energy more efficiently rather than just doubling production. He also stressed the need for a unified market design across provinces to improve trade and efficiency. Throughout the discussions, committee members explored the feasibility of east-west electricity corridors, the role of energy efficiency, and how to support industrial access to energy. The Chair requested that Natural Resources Canada formally table its electricity strategy and that the Canadian Energy Regulator provide specific cost data and past reports to the committee. The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the ongoing study into Canada's energy future.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canadian energy exports. Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, Canada's energy union, spoke about the importance of maintaining and expanding industrial capacity at home, reducing export dependency on the United States, and investing in energy infrastructure and workers. She emphasized that without domestic capacity for refining and chemical production, Canada is subsidizing other countries. She also highlighted the need for regulations to improve the maintenance of infrastructure and protect the environment. Committee members questioned Payne on various topics, including the impact of job losses in the natural resource sector on local economies, the need for government support to protect well-paying jobs, and the challenges faced by the forestry sector. Payne stressed the importance of national industrial plans, collaboration between federal and provincial governments, and addressing issues like softwood lumber duties and affordable housing. She also discussed the role of automation in the energy sector and the need for regulations to enforce infrastructure maintenance. Todd Smith, Vice-President of Candu Energy Inc., discussed export opportunities for Canada's CANDU nuclear reactor technology. He emphasized the growing global energy demand and the unique advantages of CANDU reactors, such as using natural uranium for fuel and having high capacity factors. Smith highlighted the economic value for Canada, including job creation and long-term service contracts. He stressed the importance of government support, competitive financing, and policy consistency to enable success in international markets. Committee members questioned Smith on the supply chain for CANDU projects, financing options, and the potential for heavy water production in Canada. Smith emphasized the importance of a "Team Canada" approach to win contracts and the benefits of CANDU technology for energy security and economic growth. He also discussed the role of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the potential for medical isotope production. The committee agreed to postpone a decision on inviting Gregory Ebel, CEO of Enbridge, to a future meeting, and will revisit the topic on Thursday. The next meeting will focus on drafting instructions for the report on the energy export study.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canada's energy exports, focusing on clean energy technologies and hydrogen. The committee heard from Evan Pivnick from Clean Energy Canada, who emphasized the global shift towards electrification and the need for Canada to invest in clean energy sectors to remain competitive. Pivnick suggested focusing on expanding and modernizing Canada's clean electricity system and prioritizing sectors that support global electrification, such as critical minerals and EV manufacturing. Frédéric Côté from Nergica discussed the importance of inter-regional transmission planning to facilitate clean electricity trade and improve grid reliability, recommending a transparent planning process and federal-provincial tools to advance priority projects. The committee also heard from Derek Estabrook from the Atlantic Hydrogen Alliance, who highlighted the potential for low-carbon hydrogen exports from Atlantic Canada to meet European energy demands. Estabrook pointed out the region's strategic location, access to renewable resources, and existing industrial expertise. He also discussed the importance of sustained policy support to develop the green hydrogen sector. Brent Lakeman from the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub discussed the region's role in hydrogen production and the importance of hydrogen hubs in de-risking projects and advancing critical infrastructure. He also mentioned the potential for hydrogen to decarbonize transportation corridors. During questioning, committee members discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to clean energy, including the role of government subsidies, the importance of interties, and the need for a national electricity strategy. Members also discussed the potential for hydrogen to play a role in decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation, industry, and defence. The committee agreed to continue its study of Canadian energy exports, with a focus on clean energy technologies and hydrogen, and welcomed additional information from the witnesses.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss energy and natural resources, focusing on the main estimates for 2026-27 and the management of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, presented the government's plans for energy security, economic growth, and diversification of energy exports. He highlighted investments in critical minerals, renewable energy, and the forest sector. Committee members questioned the Minister and other officials from Natural Resources Canada, the Canada Energy Regulator, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) questioned the Minister about the construction of a pipeline to the Pacific, pressing for specific dates and criticizing the government's approach to energy projects. She also raised concerns about foreign control of Canadian resources, particularly by Chinese state-owned companies. Braedon Clark (Liberal) focused on regulatory certainty and the importance of cooperation agreements with provinces and territories to streamline project reviews. He also inquired about investments in electricity and energy storage. Mario Simard (Bloc Québécois) questioned the cost-effectiveness of a pipeline to the west coast and the potential for federal investment in such infrastructure. He expressed concerns about repeating the experience of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Corey Tochor (Conservative) questioned the Minister about the role of the Prime Minister's advisor in nuclear policy and the decision to contract with U.S. companies for the management of Canadian nuclear laboratories. The committee also discussed wildfire management and the forest sector, with members inquiring about strategies to ensure the sustainability of forest resources and the impact of forest fires on carbon sequestration. The committee passed a motion requiring regular updates from the Department of Natural Resources, the Canada Energy Regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and the Northern Pipeline Agency on the implementation of their departmental plans. Another motion was passed to undertake an in-depth study on Canada's electrification, energy self-sufficiency, and domestic energy security.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canadian energy exports. The first panel focused on the role of Export Development Canada (EDC) and LNG Canada in the energy sector. Alison Nankivell from EDC highlighted their support for both conventional and clean energy projects, noting a recent increase in financing for the oil and gas sector. Chris Cooper from LNG Canada emphasized the importance of Canadian LNG in global energy security and the need for policy certainty and efficient regulations to attract investment. Committee members questioned the witnesses on topics such as national security reviews, the impact of regulations on LNG project approvals, and the balance between supporting conventional and clean energy projects. The second panel featured representatives from Advanced Biofuels Canada, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), and FPInnovations. Fred Ghatala from Advanced Biofuels Canada discussed the role of biofuels in enhancing energy security and reducing pollution. Imran Noorani from CanREA highlighted the growth of renewable energy in Canada and its potential for export. Stéphane Renou from FPInnovations focused on the potential of forest residue as an energy source. Committee members asked about the availability of raw materials for biofuel production, the role of government in supporting the forestry sector, and the potential for renewable energy to complement or substitute for hydrocarbons. The committee agreed to invite the co-chairs of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force to a future meeting to discuss their report on the forestry industry. The committee also discussed the schedule for upcoming meetings, including a session with Minister Hodgson to discuss the main estimates, supplementary estimates, and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canadian energy exports and opportunities. The first panel focused on oil and gas, with Rory Johnston from Commodity Context Corporation and Peter Tertzakian from Studio.Energy discussing Canada's dependence on the U.S. market and the need for export diversification. Johnston highlighted the risks of relying solely on the U.S. and suggested public investment in west coast export infrastructure. Tertzakian emphasized the importance of new customers and infrastructure to boost exports and GDP, while also pointing out regulatory barriers. Committee members discussed the need for regulatory clarity and competitiveness with the U.S., as well as the potential for public capital investment. The second panel shifted to renewable energy, featuring David Billedeau from the Canadian Hydrogen Association and Serge Abergel and David Laureti from Hydro-Québec. Billedeau spoke about the emerging global hydrogen market and the importance of optimizing the clean hydrogen investment tax credit. He also highlighted export opportunities in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Abergel discussed Hydro-Québec's renewable energy exports to the U.S. and the importance of tariff-free trade. Committee members explored the potential impacts of tariffs on electricity exports, Hydro-Québec's capacity to meet growing demand, and the role of federal support for clean energy projects. Committee members discussed the potential impacts of tariffs on electricity exports, Hydro-Québec's capacity to meet growing demand, and the role of federal support for clean energy projects. The committee agreed to continue the study at the next meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canadian energy exports. The committee heard from Gurpreet Lail, president and CEO of Enserva, and Stephen Buffalo, president and CEO of the Indian Resource Council. Lail emphasized the importance of the energy services sector to Canada's economy and energy security, arguing that current policies hinder investment and export growth. She called for shorter timelines for energy infrastructure projects, removal of barriers to export growth like the tanker moratorium, and reform of industrial carbon policy. Buffalo highlighted the role of First Nations in energy development, noting the success of equity partnerships in pipeline projects. He stressed the importance of building relationships and trust with Indigenous communities for new projects. Buffalo suggested that involving First Nations in the development and operation of pipelines is key to gaining their support. He also pointed to the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation as a positive model. During questioning, committee members discussed the potential of LNG exports, the impact of policies like Bill C-69 and the tanker ban, and the role of government in supporting energy infrastructure. There was also discussion of the Energy East pipeline project and whether it would have strengthened Canadian sovereignty. The committee also heard from officials from the Canada Energy Regulator and Natural Resources Canada, who provided information on energy exports, infrastructure, and government policies. The committee discussed a national electricity strategy and opportunities for indigenous equity ownership in energy projects. They also discussed the impact of oil production on pump prices.

The House of Commons Natural Resources Committee met to discuss Canada's energy exports. The first speaker was Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, who spoke about the importance of including Inuit communities in discussions about energy projects, as they own or co-manage a large portion of Canada's land and coastline. He emphasized the need to respect modern treaties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples when developing energy projects that may impact Inuit lands, waters, and ice. He also highlighted the infrastructure deficits in Inuit Nunangat and the need for investments in infrastructure and Arctic security. He noted that Inuit communities are not connected to the North American power grid, leading to high energy costs and a lower quality of life. He suggested prioritizing grid expansion into the north and localized off-grid energy systems. Committee members discussed how to reconcile the desire to increase energy exports with the need to reduce diesel dependency in Inuit communities. They also discussed the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program and the need for greater outreach and consideration for how Indigenous peoples can access these funds. The committee then heard from Marie-Christine Doran, a professor at the University of Ottawa, who discussed trade opportunities for Canada in Latin America. She highlighted Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay as reliable partners committed to multilateralism and the rule of law. She cautioned against trading with countries that are weakening the rule of law and regulatory frameworks, such as Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Bolivia. She recommended that Canada focus its natural resource export efforts on its reliable partners and join multilateral alliances that favor middle powers. George Christidis, president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association, spoke about the importance of the nuclear sector to Canada's energy system, economic competitiveness, energy security, and environmental objectives. He emphasized the need for a coordinated strategic approach to support Canadian nuclear exports, including government-to-government relationships, strategic financial support, and continued domestic development. He also noted that the domestic regulatory environment needs to be more efficient to accelerate the development and deployment of nuclear technologies. Brendan O'Connell, vice-president of Hydrogen Canada Corp., discussed the company's plans to build a blue ammonia and hydrogen facility in western Canada for export to Asia. He highlighted the importance of carbon pricing and investment tax credits to the project's economics and the need for federal and provincial policy alignment.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canadian energy exports, with a focus on First Nations' involvement and benefits. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations spoke about the importance of partnership with First Nations in energy projects, emphasizing their rights and the need for their consent. She highlighted the potential economic benefits of projects on First Nations lands but stressed the importance of respecting treaties and addressing infrastructure gaps. Other speakers included Benjamin Green-Stacey, Director of Economic Development, and Dr. Graeme Reed, Strategic Advisor, both from the Assembly of First Nations, who provided further details on economic development and consultation issues. Committee members raised questions about consultation processes, the duty of the federal government to consult with First Nations, and the effectiveness of current funding programs. They discussed the need for capacity building within First Nations communities to enable their participation in major projects. The National Chief emphasized the importance of including First Nations in discussions and ensuring they benefit from resource development on their lands. She also mentioned the need to address historical injustices and ensure First Nations are treated fairly in economic partnerships. The committee also discussed inviting Gregory Ebel, President and CEO of Enbridge, to a future meeting to discuss energy exports. A motion was put forward to invite Mr. Ebel to discuss the company's perspective on building pipelines in Canada, particularly regarding regulatory challenges. This motion was amended to allow Mr. Ebel to bring support staff from his company. The committee agreed to invite Mr. Ebel to a future meeting. Finally, a motion was introduced to hold additional meetings regarding Canadian Natural Resources Limited's decision to defer an $8.25 billion mine expansion. The motion proposed inviting several witnesses, including representatives from Canadian Natural Resources Limited, government ministers, and industry experts. However, a motion to adjourn the debate on this topic was passed, so this will be discussed at a later date.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss Canadian energy exports. The committee heard from representatives from the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, Canada's Building Trades Unions, and Svante Technologies Inc. These speakers discussed the importance of energy exports for the Canadian economy, job creation, and Canada's role as a global energy leader. They also talked about the need for infrastructure development, competitive policies, and innovation in the energy sector. Mark Scholz from the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors emphasized the role of drilling and service rig companies in creating jobs and supporting communities. He called for policies that would encourage investment and streamline regulations. Sean Strickland from Canada's Building Trades Unions highlighted the importance of major energy infrastructure projects for creating opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices. He advocated for fair wages, apprenticeship requirements, and local hiring obligations on projects that receive government investment. Brett Henkel from Svante Technologies discussed the potential for Canada to become a leader in carbon management. He called for policies that would support the development of carbon capture and storage technologies. Committee members questioned the witnesses on a range of issues, including regulatory barriers, the role of public funding, and the need for indigenous participation in energy projects. The committee also heard from Victoria Pruden, president of the Métis National Council, who spoke about the importance of Métis participation in the energy sector and the need for distinctions-based funding to support equitable access to opportunities. The committee discussed the importance of balancing energy exports with environmental considerations and the need to ensure that indigenous communities benefit from energy development. They also talked about the potential for Canada to become a leader in both conventional and clean energy. The committee agreed to consider the witnesses' testimony as it continues its study of Canadian energy exports. The committee will also receive additional documentation from the Métis National Council for analysis.