On February 17 2025, Frank Baylis announced his Energy Security Plan to address Canada’s energy sovereignty as well as projected increased demand due to population growth and widespread electrification. To meet increasing demand, Canada's electricity generation capacity will need to be 2 to 3 times greater than it is today, estimated at over $400 billion in investment to replace aging facilities and expand generation capacity in Canada’s electrical grid.
As a resource-rich nation, it is imperative that Canada protect our national wealth and energy security by allowing for the responsible development of our resources, particularly at a time when resources worldwide are under threat both from the impacts of climate change and a volatile political climate. It’s time to get smart about planning for and protecting Canada’s Energy future.
The Energy Security Plan touches on four main aspects of Canada’s future energy security: energy transport for Canada’s natural gas to diversify our market for this fuel export; expanding our nuclear capacity through SMRs; upgrading our interprovincial transmission grid for electrical power; and ramping up renewable energy projects across the country.
1.Natural Gas infrastructure
Building national self-sufficiency and setting the stage for diversifying markets for our oil and gas exports makes good business sense and ensures our future energy security as we continue to invest in Canada’s transition to renewable energy sources. Natural gas emits less CO2 when burned compared to coal or oil and is in high demand globally as a cleaner fossil fuel option that can help in reducing emissions globally.
Canada is a natural gas net exporter, Canada’s natural gas market is highly integrated with the U.S. through a vast gas-transmission network. It’s time to diversify Canada's energy market and tap into international demand in growing markets like China, Japan, and South Korea as well as European markets who are reliant on Russia for much of their natural gas supply.
Action Item: Frank Baylis proposed Thursday, February 13 to establish and approve two pipeline corridors to transport natural gas (LNG) to international markets in Europe and Asia, a commitment to strengthening Canada’s economy, reducing our dependence on the U.S., and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse emissions globally.
2. Nuclear power: SMRs and Microreactors
Nuclear energy currently produces about 15% of Canada's electricity — 55% of Ontario’s electricity is generated by nuclear power. As Canada works toward achieving its climate goals and meeting international emissions reduction commitments, nuclear energy can play a critical role in providing reliable, clean electricity to reduce overall GHG emissions.
The McMaster Nuclear reactor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario has been in operation for 65 years. Not only is it the largest facility in Canada used to train skilled personnel including nuclear scientists and engineers, it also produces medical isotopes used to treat cancer patients around the world.
By 2040, the global market for nuclear energy is projected to reach $150 billion annually, and Canada's nuclear industry is well-positioned to take a leading role. Canada possesses all the necessary components for nuclear energy production: uranium deposits for fuel, experienced utility companies, community agreements for responsible spent fuel storage, advanced technology manufacturing, and a skilled workforce.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. More affordable and smaller than large nuclear power generators, they are quicker to install, and can be deployed as needed to match increasing energy demand — of particular interest to remote communities that currently rely on diesel generators.
Action Item: As Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister, Frank Baylis will commit to investing in Canada’s SMR Action Plan to propel Canada forward as a leader in clear, safe nuclear energy.
3. Interprovincial transmission lines
Upgrading and integrating the transmission grid is essential to facilitate the transfer of electricity to neighboring provinces during periods of lower demand or excess production. Connecting provincial grids will be critically important in the future to increase resiliency and emergency preparedness, for example during severe weather incidents such as ice storms.
“An investment in interprovincial electrical transmission lines is an essential component of Canada’s energy security,” stated Frank Baylis. “We can and will get this done to ensure our system is robust, prepared and ready to deliver power to Canadians as we face both increasing demand and increasing risk due to climate disruption.”
Action items
- Investing in upgrades to the grid, including strategic grid hardening to protect from severe climate events, for example by running power cables underground.
- Investing in bi-directional grids that carry energy input and distribute energy output
4. Renewable Energy
While many provinces like Newfoundland-Labrador, Manitoba, B.C. and Québec benefit from access to renewable hydro power, other provinces are increasingly ramping up the part that renewable energy sources contribute to power needs of Canadians (1). Wind energy and solar PV are the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada; wind power in particular has increased nationally by 26.4% since 2017 to 39 million MWh. Other renewable fuels such as hydrogen and biomass have significant potential to contribute to the energy mix.
Action item: Continue to fund research and development in renewable energy, and to increase the percentage contribution of renewables to Canada’s energy demand.
1. 70% of Canada's electricity comes from renewable sources and 82% from non-greenhouse gas (non-GHG) emitting sources such as solar, hydro, wind and nuclear power