When we envision the future of Canada, we see a country brimming with potential. The possibilities for our future growth are vast. But if we’re going to keep building prosperity, we need more women’s voices at the table.
Our diverse industries, from agriculture to logistics to a growing technology and AI sector demonstrate our country’s potential for future growth. It is undeniable though, that the Canadian energy sector remains the foundation of our economy, providing the power that fuels our businesses, homes and communities now and into the future.
And Canadian women want a role in shaping what that energy future looks like.
“We need Canadian women’s voices to help ensure our growth and innovations in energy policy development are reflective of the priorities of a demographic that has often been left out of the conversation, even though in many cases they are key decision makers and purchasers in their households, workplaces and communities,” says Tracey Bodnarchuk, CEO of Canada Powered by Women.
Bringing women’s voices to the forefront of energy and economic prosperity discussions is why Canada Powered by Women (CPW) came to life in 2019. CPW is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying women’s perspectives on energy and what’s needed to ensure prosperity is maintained through Canada’s energy transformation.
We know what women think, because we ask them
Conversations around transformation and the energy future are increasingly polarized, and despite making up half the population of the country, women don’t feel like they have a safe place to share their thoughts and opinions. CPW is working to change that.
Alongside CPW’s ongoing engagement efforts cross the country, CPW has partnered with preeminent polling firm Leger over the last 18 months to complete three national surveys to illuminate the perspectives of engaged women when it comes to the economy, energy and energy policies. The most recent research captures the voices of 5.6 million engaged women, a segment that has grown by 10.5 per cent in under a year. An engaged woman considers herself tuned in to the world around her, up to date on current news and politics and is deeply invested in the well-being of her community.
Engaged women bring unique insights that consider how factors like affordability, accessibility, the environment and community impact and intersect with the economy. They want their priorities to be heard by policymakers and to influence policies that take a more balanced approach. In fact, 43 per cent of those polled say the shift in energy policies are making daily life more difficult and 87 per cent say upcoming energy policies will have a negative impact on their personal finances. 59 per cent of those women also say energy is currently too expensive.
The story the research tells is concerning — engaged women are worried about their futures. The intersection between economic prosperity and energy policy in our country is indisputable. The inclusion of one of these concepts does not cancel out the other, and women connect those dots more and more.
Balancing affordability, prosperity and sustainability
Every day, Canadians are talking about how affordability challenges are impacting their lives, whether it’s filling up the tank, buying groceries or adjusting the thermostat. Energy costs — both direct and indirect — are top of mind.
With pocketbook issues at the forefront, 95 per cent of engaged women want to see economy-focused policy initiatives, leading with Canada’s array of natural resources to pave the way to prosperity.
“Women want balance. Our research shows engaged women see a mix of energy sources as important to shaping Canada’s economic future,” says Bodnarchuk. “More than half want to see a cleaner and more diverse energy mix that includes fossil fuels, pointing to energy policies that balance the importance of economic prosperity, energy security — which is affordable, reliable energy we all have secure access to — and the environment.”
CPW’s research also shows that 75 per cent of engaged women support investment in technology and innovation to reduce emissions because the environment is fundamentally important to them too.
Untapping our potential
Canada Powered by Women is more than just a name. It’s a clear call to action, ensuring women’s voices are unignorable and central to shaping our economy and energy future.
These statistics from CPW’s research are a powerful consideration for our policymakers because they represent real people. The question more and more women are asking is whether the current approach to energy policy is inclusive of their voices, especially given their increasing voting and purchasing power.
It’s our government’s responsibility to ensure its policies bolster innovation in Canada’s energy sector to meaningfully embrace our capabilities as a nation and align with engaged women’s priorities: economic prosperity, energy security — affordability and reliability — and the environment.
CPW is here to ensure women have a seat at the table to help shape the national energy conversation, and that’s why Canada Powered by Women is heading to Ottawa this week to ensure that decision-makers hear the concerns of engaged women. Now more than ever, their voices cannot be ignored.
By empowering women to lead in economic and energy discussions, we will build a brighter, more sustainable and prosperous future for every Canadian. The time for action is now. Let’s power Canada’s future, together.
