Canada’s energy sector plays a crucial role in the economy, employing approximately 290,300 people directly and supporting an additional 405,800 indirect jobs, bringing the total to over 696,100 jobs (Energy Fact Book 2023-2024). These positions span various energy industries, including electricity generation, oil and gas extraction, and the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Renewable energy alone supports over 98,000 jobs alone (Energy Fact Book 2023-2024), highlighting its increasing contribution to the labor market. Jobs in this sector are diverse, including roles in engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance. Moreover, energy sector jobs are among the highest-paying in Canada, with average earnings of $121,435 annually, nearly double the national average (Energy Fact Book 2023-2024).
The Government of Canada is committed to achieving a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. This transition is not only vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for fostering economic growth and ensuring a reliable and affordable energy system. Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) are at the core of this strategy, designed to phase out carbon-intensive electricity generation and expand renewable energy use across the country. By transitioning to a clean electricity grid, The Government of Canada aims to align its energy sector with broader climate goals while driving significant economic benefits (Clean Electricity Regulations).
The clean electricity transition is expected to create tens of thousands of new jobs in multiple industries. Renewable energy projects, including wind and solar farms, require skilled labor for construction, operation, and maintenance. Additionally, modernization of grid infrastructure and advancements in battery storage systems will create demand for engineers, technicians, and project managers. Beyond technical roles, the clean energy shift will also generate employment in support industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and administration (Clean Electricity Regulations).
Read more at Clean Electricity Regulations
Canada’s commitment to a cleaner energy grid is expected to position the country as an attractive destination for environmentally-conscious businesses. Companies looking to reduce their carbon footprints will benefit from Canada’s sustainable and reliable electricity supply. Sectors such as manufacturing, tech, and heavy industry, which are increasingly prioritizing clean energy in their operations, will find Canada’s renewable-driven grid particularly appealing (Clean Electricity Regulations). This alignment between clean energy and business needs will enhance Canada’s global competitiveness and spur economic diversification.
The transition to a net-zero grid will require substantial investment in energy infrastructure over the next 10 to 15 years. This includes replacing or retrofitting up to 70% of Canada’s aging power generation facilities to ensure compatibility with clean energy technologies (Clean Electricity Regulations). Moreover, new transmission lines will be built to connect renewable-rich regions, such as those abundant in hydro and wind resources, to areas with higher energy demands. Expanding battery storage capacity and integrating advanced grid management technologies will also be key. These investments will stimulate the economy and build long-term resilience in Canada’s energy infrastructure (Clean Electricity Regulations).
The Canadian government offers several tax incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy: