Traditional territory of the Wabanaki Peoples/Fredericton — Today, the Government of Canada unveiled the first draft of the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) designed to spearhead Canada’s transition to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick commends this bold initiative and its pivotal role in reshaping the nation’s energy landscape.
“The Clean Electricity Regulations will ensure Canada remains a global leader in the transition to clean energy. Achieving a net-zero grid will generate numerous jobs and improve energy affordability,” says Dr. Moe Qureshi, Manager of Climate Solutions at the Conservation Council. “If we transition to a net-zero grid, the average Canadian household will spend 12% less on energy in 2050 compared to 2020 based on an analysis by the Canadian Climate Institute.”
The federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations aligns with global efforts and positions Canada alongside G7 countries that collectively pledged to achieve decarbonized electricity sectors by 2035. Canada’s largest trading partner, the United States, is also aiming for 100% emission-free electricity by 2035 and making significant investments through the Inflation Reduction Act.
As evidenced in the 2023 federal budget, the Canadian Government is undertaking comparable investments. This commitment is backed by a pledge of over $40 billion spanning the upcoming decade, aimed at boosting the nation’s clean electricity industry through a combination of tax incentives, public funding, and grant allocations. The provincial government should take advantage of these financial incentives.
Canada’s electricity sector emitted 62 Mt of CO2 equivalent in 2020—of which New Brunswick was responsible for 2.7 Mt—and with the implementation of the CER, these emissions will be reduced to 2 Mt by 2050, a reduction of 96.7 per cent.
Although the Clean Electricity Regulations are a monumental first step forward, more needs to be done to address the remaining 2 Mt in order to achieve a zero-emission grid. In particular, the Conservation Council encourages the federal government to close any gaps in the regulations that permit exceptions for fossil fuels (e.g. unabated fossil fuels past 2040) and strengthen biomass regulations.
“This year’s increase in wildfires and flooding across New Brunswick and the rest of Atlantic Canada proves that we need to address the root of the problem—dirty energy sources like fossil fuels,” said Dr. Qureshi.
According to a poll sampling by Abacus Data, 77 per cent of New Brunswickers are in favour of large-scale solar, 69 per cent are for on-shore wind development, 74 per cent are for efficiency upgrades, while only 40 per cent are for SMRs and biomass. Only 34 per cent favour fossil fuels with carbon capture.
“It is time New Brunswick gives the people what they want. The benefits go beyond the environment. Transitioning to clean electricity promises to lower energy bills, improve affordability, and enhance energy stability.”
The Clean Electricity Regulations mark a crucial milestone in Canada’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future. The Conservation Council remains committed to collaborating with the federal government and all stakeholders to ensure the realization of these regulations and the subsequent fulfillment of New Brunswick’s net-zero ambitions.
In the coming weeks, Dr. Qureshi will release an in-depth analysis of the Clean Electricity Regulations and the Conservation Council’s proposed Clean Electricity Strategy.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Corey Robichaud, Communications Manager, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | corey.robichaud@
Moe Qureshi, Manager of Climate Solutions, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | moe.qureshi@