Blog

Research Director, ISSP & Positive Energy, uOttawa

Climate change is a daunting policy challenge, where decision-makers must respond to a high-uncertainty and high-risk problem in an environment featuring a diverse multitude of stakeholders and deep-seated ideological controversy. In this situation, making policy decisions based on the best available science is often considered a desirable objective. But empirical studies – including Positive Energy research – have identified the flaws of this technocratic model of policymaking. The link between science and policy is complex, shaped by politics, and coloured by decision-makers’ worldviews. Two Positive Energy studies examine these complexities in greater depth and reveal ways to promote consensus about Canada’s energy future in an age of climate change.

Undergraduate Student, Positive Energy

In recent public opinion survey work, Positive Energy has identified that Canadians are polarized along partisan lines on a number of key energy and climate issues. At the same time, we have seen the negative effects of partisan politics on broader society. Against this backdrop, policymakers must consider how to build consensus in intensified partisan settings. This blog post discusses how consensus processes can help facilitate policymaking in divisive contexts.

Senior Research Associate, ISSP

Originally published in Canada’s National Observer on February 16, 2022

It should come as no surprise that politics have played an outsized role in polarizing key energy and climate issues. Partisan politics appear to impose three key limits on consensus-building. This blog unpacks them one by one.

CEO, Nanos Research

Senior Research Associate, ISSP

Originally published in Maclean’s on January 24, 2022

Do Canadians have a good sense of where their neighbours stand on climate action? Our latest round of survey results suggest maybe not.

Chair, Positive Energy and Director, ISSP, uOttawa
Senior Fellow, Positive Energy, uOttawa

Originally published in Policy Options on December 2, 2021

Canada has systematically been long on ambition but short on action in international climate negotiations. Will this time be any different?

Chair, Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board

I take Positive Energy’s report as a guidance document that I hope will assist in strengthening policymaker/regulator interactions and in undertaking new and innovative public engagement, both with a view to increasing confidence in the regulatory process. I think the report challenges us to try something new and be open to new ideas.

Director, ISSP and Chair, Positive Energy
CEO, Nanos Research

Originally published in Maclean’s on August 18, 2021

It’s election season and the parties are jockeying to define the issues and terms of the debate. While the pandemic still dominates the headlines, new polling from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program and Nanos Research suggests that a summer of wild weather may be pushing climate change back up Canadians’ priority list.

Director, ISSP and Chair, Positive Energy

Originally published in Policy Options on August 11, 2021

The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change underscores yet again the urgency to act, noting that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying. In Canada, there is far more consensus and support for taking action in business and society than there was even five years ago, and we have a comprehensive plan to reach our 2030 emissions reduction targets.

But will it be enough?

Advisory Council Member, Positive Energy
President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Governments, corporations, and consumers, together with supporting strong Indigenous businesses, are an essential pathway to healing Canada’s relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. By engaging in cultural understanding and strengthening community relations, we can walk the shared path towards an inclusive economy and prosperity for all Canadians. Economic reconciliation is where we each can make a tremendous impact every day!

Advisory Council Member, Positive Energy
President, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

Canada’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 will require an energy transition of unprecedented scale and speed. At the same time, several disruptive technologies are poised to fundamentally transform the electricity sector. This combination represents a significant challenge for Canada’s energy regulators and our regulatory system will need to significantly evolve if we are to ensure a smooth transition to net-zero. Several challenges must be addressed.