March 19, 2024 – Along with member representatives and subject-matter experts, Electro-Federation Canada’s executive leadership team visited Ottawa in February to encourage policymakers “to accelerate action with positive policy signals to ensure Canada can meet increasing electrical capacity demand and secure global supply chains”.

EFC’s membership comprises electrical and automation solutions manufacturers, distributors, and manufacturer reps. These members, says EFC, contribute $15.6 billion to Canada’s GDP and support 109,000 jobs, representing $9 billion in labour income and $3.6 billion in tax revenue.

The assembly met with numerous MPs and ministry officials, including representatives from Natural Resources Canada, Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada, Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, and Transport Canada to:

• reiterate that Canadian businesses are best-positioned to capitalize on the transition to net-zero
• advance policies that will help ensure Canada meets its climate objectives, especially by accelerating Canada’s overall electrification.

Otherwise, EFC warns, Canada risks not meeting climate commitments and missing out on economic opportunities.

EFC’s delegation zeroed in on three main positive policy signals:

1. SMART GRID

• Expand the scope of Investment Tax Credits
• Finalize the Clean Electricity Regulations
• Finalize a Clean Electricity Strategy

2. BUILDING EFFICIENCY

• Amend the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings to align with net-zero goals
• Strengthen enforcement of codes and standards
• Finalize the Green Building Strategy with commitment to ramp up deep retrofits and fuel switching

3. ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE

• Codify ZEV Readiness for all new-builds in the National Building Code
• Expand the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard
• Create a national ZEV charger build-out and infrastructure plan with supportive funding

ALSO…

• Expand and recapitalize funding programs that support electrification and the energy transition
• Remove barriers to accessing capital
• Enhance supply chain resilience by reviewing the demand of critical minerals/metals and create an action plan to support Canadian businesses.

According to Electro-Federation Canada:

• A clean grid attracts new and additional investments from companies that are seeking low-cost and low-carbon regions in which to locate or expand operations.
• Clean energy jobs are expected to grow to 2.68 million by 2050: 1.63 million in clean transportation, 478,000 in clean energy supply, 391,000 jobs in clean buildings, and 172,000 jobs in clean industry.
• Retrofitting a building can generate energy savings up to 60%, reducing energy costs with variable returns on investment depending on the application.
• Every dollar invested in energy efficiency improvements generates $7.00 of GDP growth.

EFC and its members emphasized the importance—and benefit—of being consulted on legislative, regulatory, policy, or funding proposals related to these three primary policy signals.