Suncor chief calls for national energy strategy

Speaking to a Toronto audience earlier this month, Suncor CEO Rick George said that Canada needs a national energy strategy in order to take full advantage of its vast resources and its proximity to the United States. George told the business audience that Canada cannot wait much longer for a national energy strategy in light of events around the world, and especially south of the border.

“The Canadian energy sector is simply too important to manage passively or leave to chance,” said George. “The Obama administration is moving forcefully on both energy security and climate change issues. If Canada is to be a policy maker rather than a policy taker, we need to get our own energy house in order — and quickly.”

Such a strategy, in George’s view, could have many characteristics. For example, Canada should do a thorough, long-term energy assessment for its businesses and residents then match that assessment with policies and infrastructure. As well, energy efficiency should be a hallmark of a national energy strategy, said George, and policy makers should look beyond basic energy production to consider the full life cycle of energy sources. “After all, up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions from a barrel of oil are generated through the tailpipe.”

“Many of the countries where conventional oil reserves are still abundant are plagued by political and economic instability. For Canadians and for our neighbours to the south, Canada is and should be seen as a pillar of reliable and responsible resource development.”