As Canada prepares for its next federal election on April 28, 2025, the Atlantica Centre for Energy put a call out to a few people in its network of energy leaders from across Atlantic Canada to answer a crucial question:
“What is one thing the next Prime Minister must prioritize for Atlantic Canada’s energy sector?”
The respondents cover diverse perspectives from academia, economics, energy developers, Indigenous communities, emission reduction, and more.
The responses reflect Atlantic Canada’s unique energy landscape and the opportunities and challenges ahead. Here’s what they had to say:
Jim Ward, General Manager, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council;
“Canada’s leadership must prioritize Indigenous-led nuclear development in New Brunswick. Investing in innovative energy projects led by First Nations will create long-term opportunities and ensure that Indigenous values guide decision-making. We can position Atlantic Canada as a leader in nuclear energy, benefiting all of Canada and future generations.”
Charlene Johnson, CEO, Energy NL;
“The Atlantic Canadian energy industry must be provided the support it requires to grow and bring prosperity to all Canadians, while supplying secure, reliable, and low-carbon energy. Removal of the punitive emissions cap would signal to the oil and gas industry, both domestic and international, that Canada is open for business and ready to supply the lower-carbon oil found offshore Newfoundland and Labrador to meet global demand. We also have abundant renewable energy resources such as hydroelectricity and wind that should make us a leading energy producer. Our next prime minister must work with industry to realize the energy opportunity we have right now.”
Scott Skinner, President & CEO, Clean Foundation;
“It is essential for the next Prime Minister to continue the Federal government’s support and co-investment in the clean energy projects and associated infrastructure defined in our provincial energy and climate plans. These projects can drive the economic prospects for the region as well as support Canada’s future energy security. At the same time, the next Prime Minister should recognize that our region’s communities experience very high levels of energy poverty in the face of increasing economic uncertainty. Therefore, it is crucial that the Federal government continue and improve energy efficiency program support for vulnerable homeowners, renters, community organizations and small businesses.”
David Campbell, President, Jupia Consultants;
“The Prime Minister should partner with Atlantic Canada’s provincial governments to attract the next generation of energy investment that will power new industries across the region. In Newfoundland and Labrador this should include offshore oil and gas to help ensure Canada continues to serve the global market as long as there is demand. It should also include large scale investment in wind, nuclear and other forms of carbon emission free electricity generation. In 2007, 12 percent of the region’s total GDP came from the energy sector. As of 2023 the share had dropped to only 7 percent. Atlantic Canada is one of the best locations in North America for energy investment and should be a main focus for the federal government in the years ahead.”
Larry Hughes, Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor, Dalhousie University;
“Atlantic Canada’s energy sector will present the next Prime Minister with two challenges. First, since the United States can no longer be considered a trusted trading partner, Atlantic Canada must gain access to Western Canadian crude oil and natural gas; this could be achieved with pipelines to Churchill, Manitoba or Port Saguenay, Quebec, or both, with tankers transporting the crude oil and natural gas (as LNG) to Saint John, New Brunswick. And second, many Atlantic Canadians face household affordability issues, caused in part by high home heating costs; various federal home heating assistance programs to improve the building envelope and upgrade heating systems have ended and need to be revived. Both challenges are important, however, the first will be debated and resolved at the national level, while the second will immediately help Atlantic Canadians reduce the stress of household affordability. Of the two, I would advise the new Prime Minister to prioritize helping Atlantic Canadians address household energy affordability.”
Brad McPherson, Director of Innovation for the Centre for Nuclear Energy Research, UNB;
“Atlantic Canada must build up its critical infrastructure (pipelines and transmission) in the region to boost productivity and grow our economy. Federal government support will be imperative to achieve this outcome. At one time, our region produced vital chemicals, extracted natural resources, and conducted R&D, all in support of key industries. Now more than ever, new baseload power generation facilities, port expansions, and rail upgrades must be realized to help empower the Atlantic region, and Canada as a whole, as we strive to serve our own domestic needs while reaching new trade markets. With infrastructure modernization, strong policy, and utilization of our in-province resource, Atlantic Canada’s energy sector can flourish.”
The perspectives shared highlight the diverse priorities and challenges within Atlantic Canada’s energy sector. As the federal election approaches, these insights offer valuable guidance for shaping policies that ensure a sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy future for the region.