Energy Drives Canada
In September 2009, The Centre for Energy tested Canadians’ knowledge of their energy system and gauged their opinions about the importance of Canada’s energy industry. The survey’s results (376KB PDF) suggested two conclusions. First, that Canadians believe the energy industry is important and, second, that Canadians’ knowledge of their energy sources is good, but there is always room for improvement.
In response to the results of this survey, the Centre for Energy took a virtual road trip across Canada to highlight our energy system’s coast-to-coast connections and help Canadians learn more about their energy sources. With 75 stops along the route, the tour featured key energy industry facts and statistics and linked to our Partners in Energy, industry and government websites for more information.
Norm hosted the tour. What’s the connection between Norm and 75 stops along the route? Norm headed out 75 days before the start of COP15 in Copenhagen – the 15th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference. Delegates from all over the world, including Canada, met to discuss reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
And this is important why? Well, most greenhouse gas emissions result from burning fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and petroleum products. And these account for about two-thirds of Canada’s energy mix – the fuels we use to heat our homes, power our vehicles, and generate about a quarter of our electricity.
In producing that energy, Canada’s energy industry provides opportunities for support industries, creates jobs, builds communities, fosters research and development of new technologies and pays taxes and royalties. About half a million Canadians are directly or indirectly employed by the energy industry. All of us are connected to it. Take the tour.