Standing Committee on Natural Resources

Comité permanent des ressources naturelles

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 09, 2017 -

Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources tabled a unanimous report calling on the Government of Canada to further facilitate the adoption of clean technology in the natural resources sector. Entitled De-risking the Adoption of Clean Technology in Canada’s Natural Resources Sector, the report is based on evidence from a wide range of experts from industry, government, academia and civil society.

“In 2017, the Government of Canada is making unprecedented investments in clean technology. It is a priority for this government and it is the right thing to do,” said Committee Chair, James Maloney. “Canada is a country of creative innovators looking for solutions to complex issues we face. It is clear from our study that we must remain at the forefront of clean technology as it is a growing and emerging industry.”

The report’s eight recommendations include:

• Working with provincial and territorial governments to develop market-based, technology-neutral policies that create a market value for the environmental and social benefits of clean technology, while allowing companies to choose the most suitable innovations for their respective industries;

• Ensuring that the forthcoming national price on carbon pollution is evidence-based and transparent, can drive innovation and productivity, and can support the competitiveness and profitability of Canada’s natural resources sector;

• Supporting existing and new programs and financial instruments to de-risk the development of clean technology through the so-called “valley of death,” between the R&D phase and revenue-making commercialization;

• Improving the efficiency, accessibility and transparency of clean technology funding and taxation incentives;

• Ensuring that all policy decisions and environmental assessments are based on scientific evidence and reflect state-of-the-art technologies and practices;

• Working with industry, Indigenous governments and communities, provincial/territorial governments, and international governments/organizations to foster stronger cross-sectorial and international clean technology partnerships and clusters.

The Committee also recommended that the Government of Canada improve the efficiency, accessibility and transparency of clean technology funding and develop a clearer definition of clean technology.

“Innovation opportunities span the entire economy; giving rise to new industries while also helping traditional ones improve efficiency and sustainability,” the Chair continued. “There is massive potential for Canadian employment growth as countries around the world seek out more sustainable and renewable sources of energy in a global industry expected to surpass $1 trillion per year.‎ As a leader in clean tech industry, we are poised for even greater success.”

Chaired by James Maloney, M.P., the Committee comprises: Liberals T.J. Harvey, Denis Lemieux, Mary Ng, Marc Serré and Geng Tan; Conservatives John Barlow (Vice-Chair), Mark Strahl, and Shannon Stubbs; and New Democrat, Richard Cannings (Vice-Chair).

The report is available on the Committee’s website. Please direct all inquiries to the Clerk of the Committee by e-mail: rnnr@parl.gc.ca.