CALGARY, ALBERTA: CHRIS SEVERSON-BAKER, executive director of the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the tariffs announced Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
“Today’s tariffs will have a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions across our country. In addition to the economic damage, we can’t underestimate the profound effect the last few months has had on Canadians, as we’ve been confronted with what’s at stake for our country and future. In the near term, governments must shield Canadians as much as possible from the immediate effects.
“In the longer term, in the face of an increasingly unpredictable U.S. and a volatile world, it’s clear our economy must fundamentally change. We must find a new path — one that isn’t overly reliant on the U.S. and that ensures a strong, resilient Canada, better insulated against future external shocks.
Clean energy production and adoption of low-carbon solutions across a range of everyday energy uses is continuing at pace around the world. In 2024, global investment in clean energy doubled that of fossil fuels. Investment in low-carbon solutions, including electrified transport and renewables, grew by 11 per cent – hitting a record $2.1 trillion. These are deep trends that were well underway before the last presidential election.
“Canada, with its abundant natural resources — including its ability to generate lots of clean, low-cost electricity to power the industries of the future – has the preconditions to thrive in this emerging clean economy. Given the rollback of climate and energy policies in the U.S., Canada can compete for billions in capital by bolstering its attractiveness as an investment destination for low-carbon industries.
“This means avoiding kneejerk reactions that would not set us up for success in the 2030s and beyond. In recent weeks, powerful incumbent industry players in the oil and gas sector have called on the government to expand oil and gas infrastructure. While this moment calls for decisive action, we must be strategic and responsible about which projects and industries are developed – recognising that the global shift to low-carbon energy will simultaneously address energy security and affordability concerns.
“Canada should pursue a coordinated policy of electrification, a true nation-building endeavour that will reap rewards that endure well beyond the current dispute with our southern neighbour. Ideally, Canada’s electricity grid is clean, modern and well-connected, powering as many aspects of everyday life as possible — from the cars we drive, to how we heat and cool our homes, to the industrial sectors that provide jobs and prosperity across our country. Electrification is the only overarching policy that simultaneously supports economic prosperity, creates jobs, improves health outcomes, provides affordable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and helps Canadians become more resilient — to the economic impacts of trade disputes, and the physical and economic impacts of climate change.
“We’re all thinking about what it means to be Canadian. Let’s consider that our history of international leadership on environmental issues, including climate change, is something to be proud of. The energy transition isn’t only about reducing emissions, it’s also a driving force of rapid economic development. As we look to recalibrate our economy for this new geopolitical reality, we should reduce emissions across our economy. Let’s demonstrate our values to the world, while making the lives of Canadians healthier, more affordable, and prosperous for generations to come.”
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Contact
Brendan Glauser
Senior Director, Communications, Pembina Institute
604-356-8829
Background
Op-ed: Time for a real conversation about energy transition
Article: The new energy economy has arrived, and Canada must pay attention
