Canada’s premiers and PM Mark Carney prioritize $8B plan to transmit hydro and wind energy from Eastern Canada to national and U.S. markets.
National Focus on Eastern Energy Infrastructure
At Monday’s first ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon, provincial premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney designated the Eastern Energy Partnership a top-tier national priority. The initiative aims to transmit renewable energy from Atlantic Canada and Quebec to other provinces and U.S. markets, positioning it as a “nation-building” effort amid shifting energy demands and climate goals.
New Projects to Power Canada and Beyond
The plan includes major infrastructure investments—estimated at $8 billion—to connect hydro and offshore wind energy to Western Canada and U.S. states like those in New England. One key element, Nova Scotia’s “Wind West” project, proposes an undersea transmission cable carrying wind power across provincial lines. Premier Tim Houston claimed the project could supply up to 27% of Canada’s electricity demand, underlining its potential economic and environmental impact.
Provinces Call for Grid Integration and Federal Backing
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt praised the project’s prioritization, highlighting the need for federal-provincial collaboration. Speaking to reporters in Saskatoon, Holt emphasized the strategic value of an interconnected grid: “They’ve expressed a strong desire to see those connections made between provinces,” she said, calling the move vital to Canada’s vision as an energy superpower.
Natural Gas and Pipeline Interests Also Surface
While renewables dominated the agenda, fossil fuel infrastructure wasn’t far behind. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith raised the possibility of new pipeline routes bypassing Quebec to transport oil to Hudson Bay. Holt responded by underscoring New Brunswick’s preference for shorter-term solutions, like extending a natural gas line from Quebec City into the province, serving industrial hubs and feeding into Saint John’s LNG terminal.
Energy Demands in the U.S. Add Urgency
Officials noted that American states—particularly those in New England—face mounting energy deficits, increasing the market value of Eastern Canadian renewables. “New England has massive extra energy needs,” Houston said, reinforcing Nova Scotia’s ambition to become a key supplier of clean power across the border.
Next Steps and Long-Term Vision
The Eastern Energy Partnership’s rollout will require coordinated regulatory approvals, engineering studies, and interprovincial agreements. As plans evolve, premiers signaled optimism that the project could be a cornerstone in transitioning Canada to a lower-emissions economy while boosting cross-border trade.
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