Canadian Industry’s Competitiveness in Terms of Energy Use

The Minister of Industry, on behalf of Industry Canada, has asked the Council of Canadian Academies to assess the opportunities and risks to Canada related to the potential for sustained higher energy prices.

Progress Report

The Expert Panel on Canadian Industry’s Competitiveness in Terms of Energy Use held its second meeting in Toronto on March 21-22, 2013, to finalize evidence gathering plans. During the late Spring, the Panel will be undertaking a survey of Canadian business to learn more about business decision-making related to changing energy prices. The next meeting of the Expert Panel will take place on July 24-25 in Montreal.

Background

Sustained long-term higher energy prices and increased short-term energy price volatility represent the new reality for Canadian industries, businesses, consumers, and communities. While there is some documented and anecdotal evidence of adaptation on the part of these stakeholders, a comprehensive assessment related to the impacts and opportunities associated with sustained higher energy prices has not be undertaken from a uniquely Canadian perspective. 

The Council’s expert panel will be asked to consider the ability of Canadian businesses and communities to innovate and adapt to sustained higher energy prices. By highlighting the full-range of impacts and examining adaptation and planning strategies relative to international benchmarks, the Council’s assessment will be a valuable contribution to informing government policy and improving Canadian resiliency in the face of sustained higher energy prices.

The full assessment process is expected to take 18 to 24 months and will include a rigorous peer review exercise to ensure the report is objective, balanced and evidence-based. Following the review and approval by the Council’s Board of Governors, the complete report will be made available on the Council’s website in both official languages. More information about the Council’s process can be found here.

Question

What are the opportunities and risks to Canada related to the potential for sustained higher energy prices?

Expert Panel

The Expert Panel on Canadian Industry’s Competitiveness in Terms of Energy Use is chaired by Dr. Fred Gorbet, C.M., Associate Director of the Financial Services Program at the Schulich School of Business, York University in Toronto. For a complete list of panel members visit the Expert Panel on Canadian Industry’s Competitiveness in Terms of Energy Use page.

For further information, please contact:

Eleanor Fast, Program Director at 613-567-5000 ext. 258 or eleanor.fast@scienceadvice.ca