Posted on 25 November 2011
(OTTAWA) November 25, 2011 – To gain first-hand perspectives on Western Canada’s energy systems and to better understand the energy sector challenges and opportunities faced in Western Canada, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV) will kick off a two-week Western visit, beginning Monday, in Vancouver.
“Our committee is engaged in and has been promoting a full national discussion on energy literacy and on Canada’s energy future. We heard Central and Eastern Canadian perspectives earlier this year during our hearings in Ontario, Quebec and in Atlantic Canada. Now it is time to hear what Western Canadians have to say. Understanding Canada’s very diverse regional interests are a critical part of our study,” said Senator David Angus, chair of the committee. “We have been working on this for nearly two and half years and we are now in the home stretch. We intend to table our report in the Senate in early June of 2012.”
“As an Albertan senator, I am pleased my Senate colleagues are coming out West to gain a better understanding of the issues and concerns of Western Canadians,” said Senator Grant Mitchell, deputy chair of the committee. “I look forward to hearing from and meeting with a variety of Canadians who are all committed, in their different capacities, to a sustainable energy future for our country.”
The public hearings and fact-finding activities in the West will emphasize the need for more pan-Canadian collaboration on energy, the environment and the economy. Committee activities and discussions will touch upon a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening Canada’s energy systems including energy literacy, improving energy use, sustainable resource development and the development of export markets. Committee members look forward to engaging with journalists and editorial boards across the Western provinces on these vital issues impacting all Canadians.
Senators on the committee are well aware of the complex challenges facing both Canada’s federal and provincial policy makers and stakeholders in our energy sectors as a result of climate change. The reality is that Canada’s energy systems, its environment and the national economy are closely intertwined. Policy makers must balance issues arising from federal/provincial jurisdiction disparities, as well as how environmental regulations can materially affect the economy.
ENEV embarked on this study with the intent of making recommendations as to a strategic policy framework for Canada’s energy future in all regions of the nation.
Visit the committee website www.canadianenergyfuture.ca for detailed information regarding public hearings and other committee activities and to obtain digital copies of previous committee reports.
Additionally, you can follow the committee on Twitter: @SCEENR_SAYS and use the hashtag #ENEV to get involved in the conversation.