Canada could miss green 'mega-trend'
A dependence on fossil fuel resources is making the country vulnerable to a planetary "mega-trend" toward low-carbon energy that "will affect the whole of Canada's economy," Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver was told in newly released internal briefing notes.
"While Canada has an enviable energy resource advantage, its future success cannot be taken for granted," said the briefing notes.
"It must make smart decisions now in order to get ahead of emerging challenges, the documents added.
"The country will need to further diversify its energy sources, ensure that it has secure access to global markets and find ways to meet the growing demand for energy at home in ways that are environmentally sustainable and publicly acceptable."
Noting that Canada was last among G8 nations in terms of clean energy investments, the briefing notes prepared by bureaucrats at Natural Resources Canada for Oliver after he was appointed to cabinet in May 2011, explained that the growth of emerging economies such as China and India was one "mega trend" influencing the economy and demand for resources and energy.
But the documents also suggested that other countries were getting ahead of Canada in a new market, estimated to be worth $6.5 trillion in 2007-08, for green products and services aimed at lowering carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
"Over the medium term, the world is being shaped by another mega trend - the beginning of a transition towards a lower-carbon economy," said the briefing notes, marked secret but declassified for release to Postmedia News under access to information legislation.
"While fossil fuels will remain a dominant source of global energy for decades to come, leading economies, including the U.S. and China are making major investments to position themselves as low-carbon leaders," it said.
Oliver was also told that some countries were using "protectionist policies" to "provide a competitive boost to their manufacturers" of clean technologies versus foreign competitors through standards, tariffs and some "buy local" rules.
In a statement, Oliver told Postmedia News that the Conservative government has invested more than $10 billion since 2006 in programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable environment through green infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy technology and cleaner fuels.
"Our government has a strong record on clean energy and a cleaner environment," said Oliver.
"We will continue research and development with governments, industry and academia in these areas," the statement added.
