Allied organizations meeting dozens of MPs in Ottawa say a renewable and connected grid would lower energy costs, create jobs and protect Canadians from price volatility — while improving public health and supporting Indigenous ownership.
OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHINAABEG PEOPLE — As oil prices spike amid the United States’ war on Iran, the instability of fossil fuels is once again laid bare, reinforcing the urgent need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. On April 14 and 15, over 30 people from 15 allied organizations will meet with members of Parliament in Ottawa to deliver a clear message: Canada must invest in a clean, connected electricity grid powered by renewable energy — while upholding Indigenous and workers’ rights.
Participating groups — including labour unions, Indigenous clean-energy leaders, doctors, municipal leaders and environmental groups from across Canada — are calling on the federal government to invest in nationwide, interprovincial transmission projects and to play a stronger role in strategic planning and coordination.
The meetings come as the federal government is expected to announce Canada’s National Electricity Strategy, and after eight provinces and two territories identified interprovincial transmission projects as national building projects of high priority. Strengthening Canada’s electricity grid was also a key commitment during the 2025 federal election campaign.
Canada’s electricity demand is projected to double, or even triple, by 2050 as the energy needs of industry, transportation and heating switch to electricity. The groups say building a clean, connected Canadian electricity grid is essential to meeting that growing demand. It would also allow provinces to share electricity across the country, increasing reliability and security while reducing reliance on the United States and helping lower costs for households and businesses.
A clean and connected electricity grid would also create tens of thousands of good jobs by using made-in-Canada components and union labour, and improve public health by reducing air pollution — as long as the electricity we use is clean and not reliant on dirty and volatile fossil fuels.
The groups say all new electricity projects must uphold the legal and inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent, and prioritize Indigenous-led and Indigenous-owned clean electricity development.
More than 32,800 people across Canada have signed petitions supporting a clean, connected electricity grid. Separate polling shows strong public backing, with 72 per cent supporting federal investment, and 76 per cent supporting the project to reduce reliance on the United States as an electricity partner.
Melina Laboucan-Massimo – Founder and Executive Director, Sacred Earth, Lubicon Cree
“Canada stands at a turning point. A clean, connected electricity grid could carry renewable energy from coast to coast, powering our economy and advancing our climate goals. But its success will depend on what powers it, who shapes it and who benefits. Indigenous communities are already leaders in clean energy, yet too often face barriers connecting to the grid. If this is truly to be a nation-building project, it must be built with Indigenous leadership at its core — creating jobs, supporting energy sovereignty and delivering lasting benefits for communities across the country.”
James Jenkins – Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE)
“Federal grants have enabled successful Indigenous-led clean energy projects, generating significant revenue that is reinvested in local economic and social development. However, many of these programs are set to expire soon, with no clear renewal plans in place. We call on the federal government to review past programs, especially those led by Indigenous communities, to ensure future funding is effective. Given the proven benefits, including economic growth, greater autonomy and reduced risk, continued federal funding needed for these programs is relatively small compared to the widespread uptake and number of success stories.”
Dr. Helen Hsu – Physician, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)
“We are once again joining our partners to ask the government to invest in an east-west Canadian electricity grid. We are also calling for this grid to be powered by as many renewable sources as possible. Reducing fossil fuel burning will improve the air we breathe, thus reducing heart attacks, strokes, chronic lung disease and cancers. More powerlines, fewer pipelines. Clean electricity regulations could deliver up to $8.7 billion in health benefits, underscoring real and immediate gains for everyone’s health in Canada.”
Ben Hendriksen – Mayor, Yellowknife
“A national clean grid that connects Canada — not only from east to west but also to our north — is one of the best nation-building, public investments Canada can make, at a time of energy precarity, a cost-of-living crisis, threats from the U.S and a climate crisis that is increasing the risk of wildfires and toxic smoke to communities such as Yellowknife. The proposed Taltson Hydro Electric Expansion Project in the NWT that the prime minister has moved to the Major Projects Office is an example of the commitment to clean energy that we need across our country.”
Stephen Thomas – Clean Energy Manager, David Suzuki Foundation
“Through a clean, connected Canadian grid, we can deliver affordable energy, create tens of thousands of good union jobs and build a stable economy for generations to come. Canada’s long-term prosperity depends on accelerating the shift to clean energy — not clinging to volatile fossil fuels. The time has come for the federal government to walk the talk and invest with partners in a nation-building clean electricity grid.”
French-language spokespeople are available upon request.
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For more information or interviews, please contact:
David Suzuki Foundation: Rosie Rattray, Communications Specialist: rrattray@davidsuzuki.org, 416-570-3728
Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE): Lina Forero, Senior Communications Manager, lforero@indigenouscleanenergy.com, 514-922-0416
Sacred Earth: Jessica Wilson, Sacred Earth Communications Lead,
media@sacredearth.solar, 778-874-5417
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE): Loujain Kurdi, Communications Manager, loujain@cape.ca, 647-762-9168
Elbows Up for Climate Campaign: Julianna Charchun, Co-Lead Strategist, julianna@juliannacharchun.com, (780) 868-6038