According to a report by the Pembina Institute, the shift away from diesel fuel toward clean energy sources, including wind, hydro, solar and bioenergy, is gaining momentum in remote Indigenous communities in Canada.
But the Canadian environmental think tank warns that this energy transition is, in many cases, hindered by what it calls “uneven approaches of governments, regulators, and utilities.”
Dave Lovekin, director of renewables in remote communities at Pembina Institute said “Governments across Canada should respond to Indigenous leadership and momentum on the clean energy transition in remote communities by advancing policies that enable equitable access to diesel reduction opportunities.”
In its Power Shift in Remote Indigenous Communities report card, Pembina tracks the progress of diesel reduction and clean energy policies across Canadian provinces and territories and at the federal level, how they apply to remote Indigenous communities.
According to a press release issued by Pembina, strong government leadership on the clean energy transition in remote Indigenous communities is apparent in Yukon and British Columbia and by the federal government.
Pembina says utility innovation and transparency is most evident in Ontario, Yukon and Quebec. The group adds that Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Manitoba could provide a clearer process and improve transparency for remote Indigenous communities seeking to partner on clean energy projects.
“Advancing clean energy partnerships with Indigenous communities can help governments and utilities across Canada honour their commitments to reconciliation, as well as contribute to climate and energy goals,” said Dylan Heerema, senior analyst at Pembina.
The report lays out 10 recommendations to help governments, regulators, and utilities better enable diesel reduction, clean energy, and Indigenous-led initiatives in remote communities.
For these remote Indigenous communities, transitioning off diesel and toward clean energy can help support goals of self-determination, energy independence, economic development, community resilience, and reducing climate pollution.
Pembina says that navigating these changes will require meaningful dialogue, transparency, and visionary thinking among governments, utilities, and communities, and be driven by Indigenous leadership and the desire of communities to be in control of their own energy future.
Canada is home to approximately 170 remote Indigenous communities which have a combined population of over 100,000. Over three-quarters of remote communities in Canada are Indigenous, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Such remote communities are found in every province and territory, with the exception of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Be the first to comment