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Research team
Positive Energy, uOttawa

(Originally appeared on Policy Options, on January 8, 2020)

It is common to say that Canada’s energy and climate debate is polarized. Carbon taxes, pipelines, Indigenous consent — the debate is crowded with complicated subjects that attract strong views. But just how polarized is public opinion on these issues?

Positive Energy, an energy research program at the University of Ottawa, has designed an original survey to measure polarization on climate and energy issues. We polled Canadians with the survey for the first time in September 2019, and will continue to do so annually to track whether polarization is increasing or decreasing over time.

This article presents top-level findings from the survey. Subsequent analyses will explore the role of values, ideology, community size and other factors on public opinion on energy and climate issues.

Vice President of Government Relations
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)

On December 2, Positive Energy hosted a debate at the Château Laurier, titled Go Big or Go Home? The Future of Canadian Energy. Will Canada’s energy future will be dominated by large-scale, centralized systems, or more locally-led, democratized systems? We have adapted the opening remarks of each debater for this four-part blog series.

President
Lumos Energy

On December 2, Positive Energy hosted a debate at the Château Laurier, titled Go Big or Go Home? The Future of Canadian Energy. Will Canada’s energy future will be dominated by large-scale, centralized systems, or more locally-led, democratized systems? We have adapted the opening remarks of each debater for this four-part blog series.

Senior Fellow
Positive Energy, uOttawa

On December 2, Positive Energy hosted a debate at the Château Laurier, titled  Go Big or Go Home? The Future of Canadian Energy. Will Canada’s energy future will be dominated by large-scale, centralized systems, or more grassroots, democratized systems? We have adapted the opening remarks of each debater for this four-part blog series.