Analysis and Review of Canadian Think Tank Climate Change and Energy Reports for the Banff Dialogue

This report, an excerpt from a paper presented at the Banff Dialogue in April 2010, reviews 57 reports from Canadian think tanks to identify common recommendations and research gaps regarding a national clean energy strategy. It highlights a fundamental tension between a 'climate view'—which prioritizes top-down carbon pricing to drive energy choices—and an 'energy view'—which emphasizes market-driven supply and investment certainty.

• The reviewed literature reveals a disconnect between two primary perspectives: the 'climate view' and the 'energy view'. The 'climate view' advocates for a top-down approach using carbon pricing to shape energy development and technology deployment. In contrast, the 'energy view' credits a market-based approach for Canada's success as an energy superpower but warns that current market volatilities and structural weaknesses make the status quo unsustainable.
• There is a strong consensus in the literature on the necessity of cooperation and policy harmonization between federal, provincial, and territorial (FTP) governments. The current 'policy vacuum' and 'dysfunctional FTP energy policy web' are seen as impediments to Canada becoming a clean energy superpower, leading to calls for a coordinated, forward-looking policy framework.
• Regarding the global context, the reports emphasize that Canada's future competitiveness depends on reconciling supply expansion with global demand for clean energy. Key priorities include strengthening the energy relationship with the United States to avoid trade sanctions and leveraging Canada's unique assets—such as political stability and energy endowment—to define a clean energy niche.
• The analysis identifies a critical need to modernize energy infrastructure and streamline regulatory approvals. The current regulatory environment is described as cumbersome and uncertain, creating unpredictable lead times for capital investments. The reports suggest that the risk of 'jurisdictional squabbles' between governments may hinder necessary regulatory reform.
• Proposed 'building blocks' for a national strategy emphasize maintaining a market-based approach to energy supply and demand while ensuring a level playing field for all energy sources. While renewable energy generation was the most frequently recommended action, the literature generally rejects 'picking technology winners,' instead advocating for support across all energy forms that meet environmental standards.
• The reports suggest that Canada's competitive advantage should shift from a reliance on commodity production to strengths in 'energy service delivery,' including knowledge, skills, technology, and organizational excellence.

APA

Sawyer, D., & Gass, P. (2010). Analysis and Review of Canadian Think Tank Climate Change and Energy Reports for the Banff Dialogue. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_analysis_canadian_think_tank.pdf

Chicago

Sawyer, Dave, and Philip Gass. Analysis and Review of Canadian Think Tank Climate Change and Energy Reports for the Banff Dialogue. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2010. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_analysis_canadian_think_tank.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sawyer |first1=Dave |last2=Gass |first2=Philip |title=Analysis and Review of Canadian Think Tank Climate Change and Energy Reports for the Banff Dialogue |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2010 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_analysis_canadian_think_tank.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sawyer2010analysis, author = {Sawyer, Dave and Gass, Philip}, title = {{Analysis and Review of Canadian Think Tank Climate Change and Energy Reports for the Banff Dialogue}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2010}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_analysis_canadian_think_tank.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }