Premiers Call for National Energy Strategy
THUNDER BAY – Bruce Hyer, MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, is applauding the premiers for adding their voices to the call for a national energy strategy. “For years, I’ve called for a national energy strategy. This policy could support the sustainable development of Canadian resources with an eye to conservation, and the use and refinement of our resources here at home,” Hyer said. “A national energy strategy could help ensure that Canadian needs are met and that value-added jobs are created here at home – instead of shipping valuable resources and employment over the border.”
The push for smart and sustainable development of Canadian resources is growing stronger, as Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard plan to put the development of a national energy strategy on the agenda at this week’s Council of the Federation in Prince Edward Island. Hyer called this plan, “an important step forward.”
“I’m pleased that the Premiers are committed to action on this important issue, and I’m hopeful that our united voice on Canadian energy security will make this strategy a reality,” Hyer said.
Wynne said last week that cooperation between the provinces on the energy file could facilitate responsible development of Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining project. The Ring of Fire development is estimated to create thousands of jobs in Northern Ontario and inject $60 billion into the economy.
“My vision is for a national energy strategy that takes an innovative approach to resource extraction,” Hyer added. “It’s realistic, but serious about tackling climate change. It must include a price on carbon, and the best way to do that is by implementing Carbon Fee and Dividend, which would see every penny returned directly to Canadian citizens. We will not end our consumption of oil overnight. A national energy strategy is key to ensuring that our non-renewable sources are used sustainably, while at the same time taking climate disruption seriously and shifting us toward renewable sources.
“That the Premiers are coming together around this proposal shows how important cooperation between all the provinces, federal and municipal levels of government is to energy issues,” Hyer concluded. “With federal leadership in this area, we can finally start addressing Canada’s energy concerns and the growing problem of climate change.”
