Canada’s decision to become a signatory to the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy (2023) at COP28 was a promising step toward realizing its goal of reaching net zero energy production by 2050. By greatly expanding its nuclear generation capabilities, Canada stands to gain many benefits, including enhanced energy security and securing its presence as a world leader in the nuclear industry. Ensuring that the objectives of this agreement are met will require long-term strategic planning on the part of the federal government to complement efforts which have already been made on the provincial level.

The current Impact Assessment (IA) process is inflexible and should be streamlined to meet the Canadian government’s own stated decarbonization timelines. The IA process remains lengthy and untested, despite noted marginal improvements. To date, published Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (TISG) for an IA are lengthy and the content lacks the predictability of previous legislation.

Current strategies for managing fish, shellfish, and seafood stocks are having an impact on Canada’s socio-economic landscape, significantly affecting the stability of various sectors of activity directly or indirectly linked to fishing. They have led to a significant reduction in the workforce, even resulting in the closure of some processing plants, a crucial link in the supply chain for other fisheries, right up to the food service industry. The Government of Canada must review the management of predatory species by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to ensure the economic sustainability of Canada’s fisheries.

With the Canadian government stating a goal to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 while global demand for energy rises, it is more important than ever to encourage and support carbon sequestration efforts in the Alberta energy sector.

This policy resolution supports the journey to net zero to ensure that Canada’s energy sector remains the world’s most responsible producer as global demand increases.

Invasive zebra & quagga mussels have devastating effects on hydroelectric power, fishing & tourism. They have devastated much of central Canada’s freshwater bodies, particularly around the Great Lakes. Given the extent to which they are established in central Canada, much public messaging is that ‘the battle is lost’. This is incorrect & threatens public policy on the issue in both central Canada & the rest of the country.
Contaminated, untainted Canadian bodies of water require protection. Detection & monitoring have proven that already-impacted bodies of water see a drop in infestations when protective mitigation measures are in place; good reasons to expand & maintain the battle.
In western Canada aggressive measures must be increased.