Industry faces balancing act as Canadians demand energy expansion and climate action

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Industry faces balancing act as Canadians demand energy expansion and climate action

By District Energy posted 09-12-2019 10:42

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Chris Varcoe, Calgary Herald

Summary

Almost seven in 10 Canadians believe action on climate change must be a priority for the next government once the ballots have been counted in the Oct. 21 federal election.

However, almost six in 10 respondents say development of the oil and natural gas industry in the country — which has the world’s third-largest crude reserves — should also be a priority, according to a survey by the Angus Reid Institute.

This inherent tension — Canadians want governments to act on climate change, but also want to see economic growth by the oil and gas sector — is driving fierce debate and policy divisions across the country.

It’s also compelling some companies to act.

Suncor Energy’s latest major investment, a $1.4-billion cogeneration project at its oilsands plant north of Fort McMurray, embodies the drive to try to meet both economic and environmental objectives.