Testing Canada's "Energy Superpower" Status
Summary:In her latest research paper, CIGI Fellow Annette Hester traces the origins of the term "energy superpower" and analyzes how Canada can become a major player in the international energy market
Canada
as the “Emerging Energy Superpower”: Testing the Case
by Annette Hester (Calgary: CDFAI, October 2007)
From the beginning of his tenure as prime minister, Stephen Harper has been promoting Canada as an energy superpower. Disconcertedly, there is no clear definition of what it means to be an energy superpower. Nor has there been a discussion of what this power would be used for, or even if Canadians would enjoy such status. This paper examines the established definition of superpowers and draws upon the historical evolution of energy provision to infer criteria by which energy superpowers can be measured. Based on these parameters and the working definition derived from them, Canada does not qualify as an energy superpower, despite the country's abundant energy resources. However, the energy sector is found to be key to Canada's future economic health. Towards this end, the author concludes that if Mr. Harper chooses to develop forward-thinking energy sector policies that are included in a national vision, Canada could emerge as a true global leader in the responsible and effective management of energy resources.
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Canada as the “Emerging Energy Superpower”: Testing the Case
Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute
(CDFAI), 2007 Annual Conference
Keynote Speakers: Hon. Jim Prentice & Hon. Gary Lunn
Ottawa Congress Centre
Monday, October 29, 2007
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
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