Canada Participates in Second Roundtable on the Path to International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Summit

June 24, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Canada and governments around the world are working to contain the virus, keep people safe and limit economic impacts. Throughout the crisis, the energy sector and its workers have reliably provided the power that Canadians and essential services depend on.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today participated in the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) second in a series of ministerial roundtables that will culminate in the Clean Energy Transitions Summit taking place on July 9, the very first to be dedicated exclusively to the clean energy transition.

Today’s roundtable, focused on mobilizing investments for secure and sustainable power systems, was hosted by IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol and the Right Honourable Kwasi Kwarteng, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth in the United Kingdom.

Minister O’Regan outlined Canada’s vision for increased electrification as a critical part of its plan to achieve its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement and its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. He also highlighted Canada’s contribution to the unique, integrated North American energy system and its role in ensuring the security and reliability of our electricity grid during the pandemic, including protecting against cyber threats. 

All participants discussed the importance of electricity systems to modern society, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants also discussed the medium- and long-term measures needed to ensure secure and sustainable industry investments and the opportunities for enhanced international cooperation and collaboration moving forward.

During the roundtable, Minister O’Regan emphasized that the pandemic has reinforced the importance of sustainable and resilient electricity systems, and the fact that Canada’s unique integration with its southern neighbours has been integral in ensuring there have been no continental electricity disruptions during this crisis.

The importance of Canada’s resource sectors — to our national economy, our natural environment and our everyday lives — has been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada remains committed to building a clean energy future that will not only support our natural resource sectors through this tough economic time but also grow the economy and create good jobs.

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