On September 24 and 25, a coalition of environmental groups, labour unions and other non-profit organizations came together with one voice to advocate for a decarbonized east to west electricity grid.
25 delegates, including two representatives from CUPE, met with dozens of Members of Parliament of the Liberal, NDP, Bloc Québecois and Green parties. Representatives asked the federal government to commit $20 billion toward strategic electricity transmission projects while upholding Indigenous rights, implementing key labour supports and reconfirming Canada’s commitment to a net-zero grid and Clean Electricity Regulations. Liberal MPs were asked to raise the issue to key Ministers in advance of the release of the federal budget on November 4 while opposition parties’ MPs were asked to table private members’ bills, raise questions or put out statements on the issue.
CUPE has a long history of advocating for east to west electricity connections. Our participation in these lobby days highlighted that an affordable, secure and renewable electricity grid is impossible without strengthening public generation and public administration of clean electricity.
Organized by the David Suzuki Foundation, the lobby days brought together representatives of labour unions, Indigenous clean energy leaders, elected municipal leaders, doctors, faith groups and environmental organizations. Representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Canadian Labour Congress were also present. Despite their differences, these groups came together on this issue. That speaks to the urgent need for this national project.
In a context where Canada’s biggest electricity trade partner, the US, is increasingly unstable, a strong east-west electricity grid is a priority for our country’s energy sovereignty. Ensuring these interprovincial connections are decarbonized is also a priority to address climate change. CUPE will continue to work in coalition with groups advocating for a better energy grid, that is autonomous and secure.