Can Canada Become an Energy Superpower?

May 6, 2025

Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, joins for a compelling discussion on Canada’s energy future. He delves into how the recent election of Mark Carney is reshaping Canada’s energy policies amid U.S. trade tensions. Can Carney balance the demands of clean energy and the oil-rich Alberta? Leach explores Canada’s potential to become an energy superpower while addressing climate goals. The conversation also highlights the critical role of Indigenous communities and the challenges of navigating complex energy dynamics.

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INSIGHT

Election Shifted by U.S. Trade War

Trump's trade war shifted Canada's election focus to national crisis management.
Mark Carney won by presenting experience suited to these new challenges.

INSIGHT

Carbon Tax Blamed for Inflation

Inflation and government spending were wrongly blamed on carbon taxes.
Liberals responded by shifting focus from carbon pricing to other climate measures.

INSIGHT

Regional Divisions Challenge Unity

Alberta and Saskatchewan feel underrepresented and unfairly targeted by federal energy policies.
This fuels separatist sentiments in those provinces, challenging Canadian unity.

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From oil pipelines crossing the border to integrated electricity grids, energy trade has long been a key part of the economic relationship between the United States and Canada. Now, President Trump’s trade policies are upending longstanding cooperative norms on both sides of the border.

Last week’s snap election has brought a significant change in Canada’s leadership. Former central banker Mark Carney edged past Conservative Pierre Poilievre — a surprising win for the Liberal Party. This narrow margin of victory reflects a deeply divided electorate grappling with issues of economic security, climate policy, and Canada's place in a changing world. Carney has boldly declared the traditional U.S.-Canada relationship "over" and his victory signaled support for a more independent path.

So can Carney balance both clean and conventional energy development amid provincial tensions, particularly with oil-rich Alberta? How will Canada respond to Trump's proposed tariffs when nearly all of its crude oil exports flow to the United States? And will Carney use his experience as a champion of climate finance to help Canada achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050?

This week, Bill Loveless speaks with Andrew Leach about the climate and energy policy battles Carney faces within Canada, a place Carney is eager to turn into an energy superpower.

Andrew Leach is an energy and environmental economist. He is a professor at the University of Alberta, with a joint appointment in the department of economics and the faculty of law. His research spans energy and economics, but he is particularly interested in climate change policies and law. His 2023 book, “Between Doom & Denial: Facing Facts about Climate Change,” explores the challenges Canadians face as they confront climate change.

Credits: Hosted by Jason Bordoff and Bill Loveless. Produced by Mary Catherine O’Connor, Caroline Pitman, and Kyu Lee. Engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive producer.