VANCOUVER, BC — May 14, 2026 — The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) welcomes the federal government’s release of Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy. This strategy confirms that renewable energy generation, transmission, and storage will serve as the backbone of a clean and competitive Canadian economy. Central to this vision is the federal commitment to doubling Canada’s electricity infrastructure by 2050 to meet the demands of an electrified future—a goal that aligns with the scale of ambition required for a net-zero trajectory. 

As British Columbia continues to lead in renewable energy development through the BC Hydro and FortisBC clean power calls and capacity exploration, this federal framework provides the essential national alignment needed to catalyze industrial competitiveness and secure long-term clean growth. 

Building on British Columbia’s Success

The federal strategy’s focus on accelerated clean energy infrastructure expansion provides alignment with the historic collaborative work underway across our province. Yesterday, CEBC participated in the announcement of the successful wind energy projects from BC Hydro’s 2025 Call for Power, which displayed what is possible when First Nations and industry partner to advance world-class projects with local ownership and community benefits at their core. This federal strategy supports the regional momentum driven by B.C.’s leadership in clean energy development. Not only does the new document create the overall policy certainty needed to facilitate tens of billion in continued clean investment into B.C., this strategy also commits to expanding Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) to include intra-provincial transmission that will support broader regional growth and enhance reliability across Western Canada. 

“The National Electricity Strategy provides a vital framework, but its success in Western Canada depends on a collaborative approach to implementation. As the leading voice for clean energy in B.C., CEBC looks forward to provincial consultations to ensure this strategy aligns with our unique strengths. By working with federal and provincial partners, we can ensure the transition to a doubled grid remains a powerful engine for economic growth, local job creation, energy sovereignty, affordability, and reconciliation.” — n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ Stephen Rayner, Interim Executive Director, CEBC 

In joining broader national perspectives, CEBC emphasizes that the strategy’s success depends on establishing wind, solar, and energy storage as the foundation of a low-cost, reliable grid. This approach to renewable generation and transmission is the most effective way to ensure long-term energy affordability for households and businesses alike. While this framework is a significant step forward, the federal government must now move swiftly to fill remaining policy gaps and ensure rapid project deployment to meet the urgency of the energy transition. 

Critical Considerations for Implementation

While supportive of the strategy’s general direction, CEBC identifies specific areas where implementation requires careful management:

  • Transitioning Toward Non-Emitting Resources: We support the strategy’s focus on non-emitting power, while recognizing that lower-carbon fuels will remain a significant aspect of Canada’s portfolio in the short term, provided that emissions are not locked in for the long term. CEBC maintains that non-emitting resources must be the backbone of our future economy. 
  • Balanced Regulatory Reform: We welcome the federal focus on permitting reform, which aligns with CEBC’s leadership on the development of the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act in B.C. A responsible and balanced approach to regulatory modernization is essential to accelerate project timelines while maintaining high environmental and social standards. 
  • Workforce Development: With the sector requiring significant expansion by 2050, we look forward to collaborating on federal labor initiatives to ensure B.C. has the skilled talent necessary to build and maintain a doubled grid. 
  • CER Guardrails: Any “flexibility” introduced into the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) must be balanced with clear compliance standards to ensure emissions targets remain reachable. 
  • Indigenous Equity: We look forward to seeing the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program support the B.C. model of economic reconciliation, ensuring First Nations are equity partners in the clean growth of our province. 

About the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia: CEBC has been the voice of the clean energy sector in BC for over 30 years, representing developers, operators, First Nations, and key players throughout the entire supply chain dedicated to expanding sustainable and reliable power to the benefit of British Columbians for generations to come.

Media Contact:

Jack Magnus

Director of Engagement and Operations

jackmagnus@cleanenergybc.org