Canadian gas group releases report to inform federal policy

The Canadian Gas Association (CGA), the voice of Canada’s gaseous energy delivery industry, said December 5 it had released a new policy document it says can inform future federal policy surrounding natural gas.

The report, Bettering Canadian Lives: Harnessing the Canadian Gas Energy Opportunity, outlines a vision for gas energy and its infrastructure, aligned with policy recommendation that set the table for Canada to succeed in harnessing the opportunity presented to Canada by gas energy.

“Gas energy, including natural gas, renewable natural gas and hydrogen, is delivered to over 20mn Canadians, meeting nearly 40% of the country’s energy needs – approximately double that of electricity,” CGA CEO Timothy Egan says. “It plays a critical role in keeping homes warm, industries competitive, and energy affordable. However, Canada is without a vision that will attract the next generation of investment to fuel our collective progress on energy.”

The report, he said, is the CGA’s blueprint for preserving and enhancing energy affordability and reliability while delivering low-carbon energy to Canadians.

Bettering Canadian Lives focuses on five pillars the CGA says are essential for creating a balanced energy policy discussion in Canada: 

• Positive narrative: Canada needs to set a positive narrative on energy critical to building investor confidence. 
• Energy security: Canada must safeguard affordable, reliable energy systems to support Canadian homes, industries, and economic growth.
• Consumer affordability: Canada needs to extend affordable energy access to rural, remote, and indigenous communities, reducing reliance on costlier and less environmentally favourable alternatives.
• Public sentiment: Canadians need and want gas energy. Recent research shows 68% of Canadians view natural gas as vital for energy security, with 84% valuing their right to choose their energy source.
• Emissions reductions: The existing gas energy infrastructure must be used to accelerate and support low-emission innovations, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending.

“Our recommendations offer practical steps to ensure a balanced, secure, and forward-thinking energy future,” says Paul Cheliak, CGA’s vice-president, strategy and delivery. “Energy is a fundamental Canadian advantage, and gas energy plays a crucial role in ensuring our energy remains secure, affordable, and sustainable.”