The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to announce the release of Bettering Canadian Lives: Harnessing the Canadian Gas Energy Opportunity. This document outlines a vision for gas energy and its infrastructure, aligned with policy recommendation that set the table for Canada to succeed in harnessing the enormous opportunity presented to Canada by gas energy.
“Gas energy, including natural gas, renewable natural gas and hydrogen, is delivered to over 20 million Canadians, meeting nearly 40% of the country’s energy needs – approximately double that of electricity,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, CGA. “It plays a critical role in keeping homes warm, industries competitive, and energy affordable. However, Canada is without a vision that will attract the next generation of investment to fuel our collective progress on energy. Bettering Canadian Lives is our blueprint for preserving and enhancing affordability, reliability, and low-emission energy for Canadians.”
Gas energy isn’t just another energy source, it’s an economic powerhouse that underpins our quality of life. Canada’s 600,000 km of infrastructure system is robust and reliable, delivering and storing energy tailored specifically to our country’s weather swings, diverse geography and growing population. Canadians value resilient energy systems that offer choice and reliability while supporting economic growth and strong environmental performance, all of which the industry is committed to delivering each day.
Bettering Canadian Lives focuses on five pillars essential for creating a balanced energy policy discourse in Canada. The platform document’s key highlights are as follows:
- Positive narrative: Canada needs to set a positive narrative on energy. One that will build investor confidence in Canada.
- Energy security: Canada must safeguard affordable, reliable energy systems to support Canadian homes, industries, and economic growth.
- Consumer affordability: Canada needs to extend affordable energy access to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, reducing reliance on costlier and less environmentally favourable alternatives.
- Public sentiment: Canadians need and want gas energy. Recent research shows 68% of Canadians view natural gas as vital for energy security, with 84% valuing their right to choose their energy source.
- Emissions reductions: The existing gas energy infrastructure must be used to accelerate and support low-emission innovations, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending.
“Our recommendations offer practical steps to ensure a balanced, secure, and forward-thinking energy future,” added Paul Cheliak, VP of Strategy and Delivery, CGA. “Energy is a fundamental Canadian advantage, and gas energy plays a crucial role in ensuring our energy remains secure, affordable, and sustainable.”
The CGA invites policymakers, industry stakeholders, and Canadians to engage with the recommendations and work together to advance priorities that support choice, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
Bettering Canadian Lives: Harnessing the Canadian Gas Energy Opportunity is available for download here.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Meeta Singh
Director, Communications, Canadian Gas Association
MSingh@cga.ca or call 613-601-8474
About the Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 per cent of the country’s energy needs.