Ottawa, March 9, 2021—Fostering the development of intelligent communities and smart energy in Canada will require targeted and joint efforts from industry and policy makers.
This key insight came from ICTC’s Smart Energy and Environment Policy Roundtable held December 3, 2020. As the second roundtable in a series focused on creating a vibrant and inclusive smart economy for Canada, the online event brought together over 30 subject experts from industry, government, academic institutions, and civil sector organizations.
Featured presenters included Dr. Sarah Burch, Canada Research Chair in Sustainability Governance and Innovation, and Sonya Hull, a leader in smart infrastructure and digital grids at Siemens Canada Ltd., who opened the discussions on Canada’s energy future.
Roundtable topics included environmental priorities for federal, provincial, and local policy; technology requirements for a clean energy transition; and community-led initiatives for a sustainable future.
More granular insights also addressed the realities of clean energy and climate change. For example, cheaper and more accessible clean alternatives are critical for wider adoption, otherwise people will not replace high carbon emitting vehicles or home heating furnaces. Clean energy cannot be a privilege for the few who can afford it if meaningful impact on climate change is the goal.
“The construct of tomorrow’s smart energy requires new measures to promote the wellbeing and prosperity of intelligent communities, striking therefore a delicate balance between economic drivers and sustainable progress,” said Namir Anani, ICTC President and CEO.
The third ICTC roundtable took place in February 2021 on the theme of Smart Mobility.
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a not-for-profit, national centre of expertise for strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy. Through trusted research, practical policy advice, and creative capacity-building programs, ICTC fosters globally competitive Canadian industries enabled by innovative and diverse digital talent. In partnership with an expansive network of industry leaders, academic partners, and policy makers from across Canada, ICTC has empowered a robust and inclusive digital economy for over 25 years.
For Interviews with an ICTC subject experts and other media inquiries, please contact Paul Stastny at @email or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.
This project is funded by Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.
A copy of the brief can be accessed here.
A French language version of this press release is available here.
