Adedokun Waliyu 
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that his government is prepared to amend the country’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) as part of a broader plan to significantly expand Canada’s electricity capacity by 2050.
Speaking at the First Ministers’ Meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Carney said the federal government is committed to making Canada’s electricity system more reliable, affordable and capable of supporting future economic growth.
He said the government aims to double Canada’s electricity grid capacity by 2050, describing the initiative as a key step toward making the country an energy superpower.
According to Carney, achieving that goal will require stronger cooperation among the provinces and territories, including better interconnections between their electricity grids.
Addressing the meeting in French, the Prime Minister said the government is willing to amend the Clean Electricity Regulations to ensure short-term electricity supply remains both reliable and affordable while continuing Canada’s transition to cleaner energy.
He noted that accomplishing the plan would require historic levels of investment in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, storage and the modernisation of the national power grid.
The proposal marks a significant shift from the energy policy of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government aimed to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
Under Carney’s approach, natural gas-generated electricity will continue to play an important role in providing reliable base-load power while renewable energy infrastructure is expanded.
The government’s strategy is built on four key priorities:
Expanding electricity generation capacity.
Building a national power grid linking provincial and northern systems.
Developing a skilled workforce to support the expansion.
Ensuring the project relies primarily on Canadian technology, labour and materials.
Carney urged provincial premiers to work together to achieve the ambitious plan and explore financing options that would spread costs over time while delivering long-term economic benefits.
As part of the initiative, he announced an expanded electricity transmission line between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, as well as a federally supported agreement involving New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia to jointly plan and operate their electricity systems.
He also highlighted Ottawa’s recent commitment to support British Columbia’s North Coast Transmission Line, which is expected to be extended into Yukon and Alberta.
Beyond energy, Carney praised provincial leaders for making progress in removing interprovincial trade barriers. Agreements reached this week will allow breweries, wineries and distilleries to sell their products across provincial borders beginning next year.
The Prime Minister also criticised the latest tariffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, pledging that Canadian governments would continue working together to protect Canadian workers, businesses and families from the impact of the ongoing trade dispute.
Carney said Canada is now in a stronger position than when the trade conflict began, crediting the resilience of Canadians and the cooperation among provincial governments.
