Taking action in support of our vital natural resource sector

A new poll has found Canadians would like to see their country's natural resources sector play a growing role in reducing dependence on less transparent and less regulated nations supplying the global market.

Conducted by Research Co. on behalf of Canada Action, the poll questioned 1,000 adults across the country between March 14 and March 15, finding broad support for Canada's mining, agriculture, potash and energy sectors given the nation's strong performance on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics.

Canadians are proud that of the world's top then crude oil and natural gas exporters, Canada consistently ranks among the highest – if not THE highest – on ESG indices like the Yale Environmental Performance Index and World Bank Governance Index.

Key Findings:

> Almost four-in-five Canadians (78%) agree with supporting all Canadian energy including solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, oil, and natural gas. 

> Three-in-four Canadians (75%) agree that the Canadian agriculture industry, with its strong record on health, safety and the environment, should be supported to increase production and given preference over jurisdictions that violate human rights and other sustainability principles.

> Almost three-in-four Canadians (74%) agree that exporting responsible and reliable Canadian energy, expertise, and technology to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is one way Canada can play an important role in addressing climate action.

> Almost three-in-four Canadians (74%) agree that the Canadian mining industry, which operates to the highest environmental, social and governance standards, should be a preferred supplier of the world's minerals and metals.

> Almost three-in-four Canadians (74%) think that Canada should increase its exports of potash in order to help countries reduce their trade with less reliable suppliers while growing their local food production.

> Two-thirds of Canadians (68%) think Canada should fast-track projects to help meet energy demand in Europe and elsewhere, while continuing to meet or exceed environmental, social and governance standards.

Global Energy Security Concerns

Global events over the past few years have highlighted the need for sustainable and reliable sources of supply for a full spectrum of natural resources.

Canada, home to a vast wealth of minerals, metals, forests, farmland and petroleum, is well-positioned to take up a larger role in providing resource security to the world. As a global leader in ESG performance, more Canadian resources on the world stage benefits both Canadians AND the global environment.

"We're in an uncertain time in which large oil & gas suppliers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela trade in products that just don't measure up to Canadian values and principles," said Cody Battershill, Canada Action founder and chief spokesperson.

"We're a leading global energy supplier – including oil & natural gas, uranium for clean nuclear electricity, and the technology that supports hydro, wind, solar and geothermal. Further, we're at or near the top of any list of suppliers of mining and metals, agriculture, and potash.

"Canadians are saying these issues are not simply about commerce, but about people; they like the principled approach Canada takes, and they think our country should be preferred over supplier regimes that trade in goods originating out of abuses of environmental, human rights and governance shortfalls," Battershill continued.

Canada's ESG Performance

Canada's world-class performance on ESG metrics speaks for itself. For example, of the world's top oil and natural gas exporters, Canada consistently ranks the highest on the following indices:

• Yale Environmental Performance Index 
• Social Progress Index 
• World Bank Governance Index 
• Green Future Index
• Democracy Index
• Global Peace Index
• Rule of Law Index 
• Corruptions Perception Index
• Global Press Freedom Index
• Sustainable Development Index
• Women, Peace, Security Index

It's abundantly clear that Canada should be a go-to natural resource supplier of choice for products from the energy, agricultural, forestry and mining sectors.

Energy Security Guarantees = ESG

Canada can also be a go-to natural resource supplier for countries that are now more intently focussed on stable and reliable sources of supply than ever before.

As one of the most transparent, regulated and environmentally responsible resource producers on the planet, Canada is uniquely positioned to provide energy security guarantees (also ESG) to countries like those in Europe who find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Who would you choose to buy your natural resources from? Would it be:

A - from less stable nations with weaker protections for human rights and the environment?

B - Or, would it be from reliable countries like Canada with progressive policies that also adheres to democratic processes?

We believe the choice is clear. More Canadian resources are good for our families, governments, and the global environment!

Join Us Today!

Share a homemade sign, or check out our online store! Join us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube to discuss Canada's world-class natural resource sectors and partake in a balanced, fact-based and non-partisan discussion with Canadians from coast-to-coast!

Canadian solar developer with major investments in Ukraine says Europe urgently needs access to #Canadian oil and gas.

We must be pragmatic, inclusive, and strategic about #CanadianEnergy#CdnPoli #CdnEnergy @s_guilbeault pic.twitter.com/smHkirQCwh

— Oil Sands Action (@OilsandsAction) March 21, 2022