A new national report by Canada Powered by Women, co-authored by Deloitte Canada reveals how women’s views on energy can shape sustainable economic growth and independence
Canada Powered by Women (CPW) has spent the past three years listening to, learning from, and amplifying the voices and priorities of 6.7 million Canadian women who are identified as engaged and informed.
The result? A national report: Canadian women’s collective voices from coast-to-coast, based on nationwide surveys conducted by pre-eminent national research firm Leger360 and workshops that asked engaged women for their thoughts, opinions, and perspectives on energy and economic issues in Canada.
With U.S. tariffs hitting Canadian industries hard over the past several months, trade and economic sovereignty are top of mind for Canadians. Many government leaders of all political stripes – including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford – are increasing their focus on energy policy in pursuit of economic independence and prosperity for Canada.
According to CPW’s national report, meaningful action on energy policy is what engaged women expect to see from their governments. “These women’s voices offer timely, grounded guidance for a resilient and prosperous path forward. What better time to inject women’s voices into national conversations on energy, economy, and policy as we’re seeing this kind of momentum,” says Tracey Bodnarchuk, CEO of Canada Powered by Women.
Shaping Canada’s energy future with the voices of engaged women
CPW champions the inclusion of women’s voices in creating a prosperous and sustainable energy future for Canada – their research shows that women understand the connection between energy policy, a strong energy sector and economic growth, and how growth sustains our education, health, and social programs. The surveys and conversations show that women are demanding their priorities are meaningfully considered in either reforming or creating new energy policy, taking into consideration its effect on their daily lives and standard of living.
What women really think about energy policy in Canada
Most respondents recognize Canada’s energy and natural resources as key drivers of economic stability and growth, and are pivotal to restoring Canada’s advantage on the global stage. These women are also making an urgent call for policymakers to strengthen Canada’s resource advantage.
A majority of respondents want Canada to urgently reduce reliance on the U.S., expand infrastructure, and increase energy exports to bolster trade and for impactful global emissions reduction. They are calling for Canada to secure energy independence, affordability, and long-term prosperity.
With increased pressure on Canada to be more economically independent given U.S. trade tensions, and amidst a wave of domestic pride, including the Buy Canadian movement, the call to take action on energy policies is gaining momentum.
Engaged women are advocating for bold policy that includes a fast-tracked energy corridor with a pipeline and streamlined regulations to unlock market access, drive economic growth, and enhance energy security.
Shaping policymaking conversations
CPW is bringing this national report to Canada’s political decision makers at advocacy days in jurisdictions across the country this fall. This will spark meaningful dialogues and ensure policymakers hear directly from engaged women who are asking for a practical, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to energy policy.
Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad, a Toronto-based CPW board member says, “It’s impressive to see how quickly this group of women is growing, year over year. More women are waking up to the realities of what’s going on in the economy. We invite collaboration to translate these insights into concrete solutions and bridge the gap between women’s expectations and policy outcomes.”
Energy is our edge – let’s use it
The Canadian women’s collective voices from coast-to-coast report captures the powerful voice and priorities of engaged women, a group poised to shape Canada’s energy future. Through nationwide surveys and conversations, they’ve made it clear that they are ready to fuel change.
They are issuing a call to decision makers to harness Canada’s energy and natural resources potential through sound policy that will secure a stronger, more resilient future, and better quality of life for all Canadians.
For more information and to get involved, visit: canadapoweredbywomen.ca
To view the report, click here.