Clean energy groups call for East-West grid connections, investments in renewables

Sacred Earth Executive Director Melina Leboucan-Massimo speaks about an east west electricity grid during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Monday Sept. 22, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA — A coalition of clean energy groups is calling on Ottawa to connect the country through a grid powered by renewable energy.

The David Suzuki Foundation says Canada is facing an energy affordability crisis, while demand for energy is set to expand in the coming decades.

The foundation and 15 allied organizations say the solution to that crisis is investing in clean energy by upgrading the existing grid and connecting it between provinces and territories.

They say a revamped and expanded clean energy grid will deliver more jobs and improve Canada’s energy independence, while saving people money on their energy bills.

Melina Laboucan-Massino of Sacred Earth says the country needs a co-ordinated, national clean energy strategy that strengthens environmental protection and includes Indigenous governance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly promised a clean energy strategy to double the capacity of Canada’s power grid, but its introduction has been delayed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 13, 2026.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press