- Phase III - Public Confidence on the Road to Net Zero (Current Phase 2022-2027)
- Phase II - Canada's Energy Future in an Age of Climate Change (2018-2022)
- Phase I - Public Confidence in Energy Decision-Making (2015-2018)
- Public Opinion Surveys - published on a quarterly basis with Nanos Research
Our research publications
The University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program uses the convening power of the university to bring together academic researchers and senior decision-makers from industry, government, Indigenous communities, local communities and environmental organizations to determine how to strengthen public confidence in energy decision-making.
Our latest research publication
Energy Projects and Net Zero by 2050: Can We Build Enough Fast Enough?Explore all Positive Energy Research Publications, divided into four different tabs:
Public Confidence on the Road to Net Zero (2022-2027)
The current phase of Positive Energy aims to help Canada strengthen public confidence in energy policy, regulation and decision-making for net zero. Research and engagement are focused on helping Canada move from the ‘what’ to the ‘how’ of emissions reductions, with a primary emphasis on developing integrated approaches to energy and climate, identifying institutional innovations that support change, and fostering cross-country collaboration. Activities of this phase will cover the following areas:
- Regulation: how to develop effective and trusted regulatory frameworks to achieve energy and climate objectives.
- Energy Security: how to ensure domestic and global energy security (affordability, reliability, availability) alongside emissions reductions.
- Intergovernmental collaboration: how to foster effective intergovernmental relations among federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous and municipal governments to achieve energy and climate objectives.
- Public Opinion: how to foster ongoing public and expert support for Canada’s net zero journey.
Publications:
- M. Gattinger & M. Cleland (2025) Energy Projects and Net Zero by 2050: Can We Build Enough Fast Enough? (PDF, 5.1 MB) - Positive Energy
- M. Gattinger & M. Cleland (2023) Energy Projects and Net Zero by 2050: Can we build enough fast enough? - A White Paper (PDF, 721 KB) - Positive Energy
- M. Gattinger & M. Cleland (2023) Net Zero: Reforming Energy Delivery Systems in Canada - An international review of Electricity and Natural Gas Delivery System Policy and Regulation for Canadian Energy Decision-Makers by Positive Energy. (PDF, 7.2MB) - Positive Energy
Canada’s Energy Future in an Age of Climate Change (2018-2022)
Positive Energy’s next three-year phase of research and engagement addressed the following overarching research question. How can Canada, an energy-intensive federal democracy with a large resource-base, build and maintain public confidence in public authorities (federal, provincial, and territorial governments and regulators, Indigenous governments, municipal governments, and the courts) making decisions about the country’s energy future in an age of climate change? Activities of this phase focused on three core challenges that must be addressed in order to successfully answer this question:
- Polarization: How can Canada effectively navigate and overcome polarization over energy and climate issues?
- Roles and Responsibilities: What are the respective roles and responsibilities among policymakers, regulators, and the courts when it comes to energy decisions?
- Consensus-Building: What are the models of and limits to consensus-building on energy decisions?
Building Consensus: What Works? The National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines the work of the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE). The NRTEE was created by the government of Canada in 1988 to promote sustainable development that advanced environmental and economic interests simultaneously using policy research and directly advising the government. This analysis assesses how the NRTEE in its 25-year history addressed conflict in the energy arena, built consensus around energy and environmental issues, and which aspects of its institutional design and process contributed to those outcomes.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in Canadian Energy Decision-Making
A new study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines and documents the current state of play and actions around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in Canada’s energy community. Through the perceptions and views of energy and climate decision-makers, it identifies interpretations of EDI, initiatives, challenges, and opportunities.
Overcoming Limits to Consensus-Building on Energy and Climate: Toxic Partisanship, Us Versus Them, False Polarization
This Positive Energy study explores limits to consensus-building on energy and climate—specifically limits that flow from partisan politics. It identifies key drivers and events that have contributed to the polarization of certain energy and climate issues along partisan lines, and offers advice for decision-makers looking to navigate polarized contexts on the way to net zero by 2050.
Energy Project Decision Systems for Net Zero – Designing for Functionality, Adaptability and Legitimacy
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program explores the relationships within public energy decision systems, specifically between regulators with responsibilities for the approval of resource development and infrastructure, and other actors in energy decision-making in Canada.
Unbuilt and Built LNG Projects – Who Decides and How?
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines the difference between final investment decisions in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors in Western Australia, the world’s second largest exporter, and British Columbia, with only one project under construction.
The Expanded Role of the Federal Cabinet in Pipeline Projects
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines cabinet’s review of the 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project following recommendations from the Canada Energy Regulator.
Energy-Environment Federalism in Canada: Finding a Path for the Future
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines the constitutional arrangements and the economic and political interests that govern Canada’s energy-environment policy. It explores its historical challenges and discusses what makes cooperation on these issues so difficult.
Policymakers, Regulators and Courts – Who Decides What, When and How? The Evolution of Regulatory Independence
This discussion paper, authored by Positive Energy Executive-in-Residence Mike Cleland and Research Associate Ian T.D. Thomson, with Positive Energy Chair Professor Monica Gattinger, builds on Positive Energy's ongoing research and engagement concerning public authorities by taking a granular look at the concept of regulatory independence.
A Literature Review on Regulatory Independence in Canada's Energy Systems: Origins, Rationale and Key Features (PDF, 3.2MB)
This literature review, authored by Positive Energy Research Associate Ian T.D. Thomson, explores the scholarly literature on regulatory independence in Canada’s energy systems, while also assessing the rationale for regulatory independence and examining the evolution of independence in Canada’s regulatory system.
Sun, wind or water? Public support for large-scale renewable energy development in Canada
The study, co-authored by Positive Energy research team members James Donald (University of Victoria) and Bryson Robertson (Oregon State University) together with their colleagues John Axsen (Simon Fraser University) and Karena Shaw (University of Victoria), explores levels of public support for renewable energy technologies across Canada and identifies some of the factors that influence individuals’ attitudes.
Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage - Polarization, public confidence and decision-making
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program offers several crucial, concrete actions that governments and stakeholders can take to address public confidence in CCUS and leverage Canada’s competitive advantage in this space.
What is ‘Transition’? The Two Realities of Energy and Environmental Leaders in Canada
Decision-makers in the energy and environmental communities occupy two separate realities over energy transition in Canada. The report’s lead author, Positive Energy researcher Dr. Marisa Beck, uncovered the two realities by asking over 40 energy and environmental leaders about their use and interpretation of the term “transition”.
A Literature Review on Polarization and on Energy and Climate Policy in Canada (PDF, 654KB)
This review, authored by Positive Energy Doctoral Candidate Rafael Aguirre, explores scholarly literature on polarization as a general phenomenon, as well as the state of knowledge over its extent and nature in the energy and environmental domain.
Canada's Energy Future in an Age of Climate Change (PDF, 2.3MB)
This report unpacks the core challenges and opportunities when it comes to building confidence in public authorities making decisions about Canada’s energy future in an age of climate change. The study also describes Positive Energy's research and engagement program for the next three years.
What Works? Case Studies
In Phase II, the Positive Energy research team completed 5 case studies aiming to identify ‘What Works’ when it comes to building public confidence in decision-making for Canada’s energy future in an age of climate change.
Four studies focused on consensus-building amid polarization over energy and climate. The fifth focused on innovations in policymaker/regulator interactions and regulators' public engagement.
Below is the collection of these case studies.
Building Consensus: What Works? The National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines the work of the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE). The NRTEE was created by the government of Canada in 1988 to promote sustainable development that advanced environmental and economic interests simultaneously using policy research and directly advising the government. This analysis assesses how the NRTEE in its 25-year history addressed conflict in the energy arena, built consensus around energy and environmental issues, and which aspects of its institutional design and process contributed to those outcomes.
Building Consensus: What Works? Case Study: Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission
This study from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program examines the work of the Ecofiscal Commission, an organization that aimed to depoliticize the debate about carbon pricing in Canada by using one specific tool: infusing the debate with non-partisan, academically rigorous research and evidence.
A new collaborative project between Positive Energy and Canada's Energy and Utility Regulators (CAMPUT) aims to identify innovative approaches and success factors in energy regulatory decision-making in an age of climate change.
Addressing Polarization: What Works? The Just Transition Task Force
What aspects of Canada’s Just Transition Task Force may have been helpful to depolarizing Canada’s phase-out of coal power? Authored by Positive Energy Senior Research Associate Brendan Frank and uOttawa Ph.D. candidate Sébastien Girard Lindsay, this report is the second of five case studies of initiatives to reduce polarization over energy and climate issues in Canada.
Addressing Polarization: What Works? The Alberta Climate Leadership Plan
There is more bipartisan and expert consensus on climate policy in Alberta than commonly believed. This report, led by Positive Energy Faculty Affiliate Professor Duane Bratt, is the first of five upcoming case studies that focus on initiatives to reduce polarization over energy and climate issues in Canada.
Public Confidence in Energy Decision-Making (2015-2018)
Positive Energy’s first phase of research and engagement focused on how to strengthen local community satisfaction with energy project decision-making processes and how to strengthen confidence in public authorities making energy policy and regulatory decisions. This phase included three inter-related streams, each of which built on and leveraged the findings across the others.
- Public Confidence of Local Communities in Energy Project Decision-Making
- The Role of Public Authorities in Energy Decision-Making
- Survey Research with the General Public and with Energy Leaders
- Durable balance (PDF, 2.7MB)
- How to decide (PDF, 1MB)
- Energy decisions-making (PDF, 3MB)
- Who decides (PDF, 1.2MB)
- System under stress (PDF, 2.2MB)
- Building public confidence (PDF, 9.9MB)
- A matter of trust: The role of communities in energy decision-making (PDF, 2.7MB)
- Case study: Western Alberta Transmission Line (PDF, 2.1MB)
- Case study: Shale Gas Exploration (PDF, 2.2MB)
- Case study: Northern Gateway Energy Pipeline (PDF, 2.1MB)
- Case study: Wuskwatim Hydroelectric Facility (PDF, 1.8MB)
- Case study: Gas-fired Power Facilities (PDF, 1.8MB)
- Case study: Wind Farm (PDF, 3.7MB)
- Fair enough: Assessing community confidence in energy authorities (PDF, 3.4MB)
- Literature Review of the dimensions of social acceptance for energy development and the role of trust (PDF, 384KB)
Public Opinion Survey Research
Quarterly public opinion surveys tracking Canadians’ attitudes on seminal energy and climate issues.
The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on climate change, energy costs, and the balance between environmental protection and economic growth. It explores views on the timing of climate action, concerns about energy prices, confidence in various players to reduce emissions, and preferences for federal or provincial leadership in climate policy.
The research gauged public perceptions and opinions regarding the balance between political influence and expert advice in policy decisions, the role of various sources in informing these decisions, and the role of oil and gas in Canada's current and future economy. It explored views on expanding oil and gas exports for global energy security and climate change mitigation. Additionally, the survey asked Canadians to score government performance on strengthening public confidence in Canada’s energy decision-making processes and on developing a shared long-term vision for Canada’s energy future.
The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on climate ambition, alignment of climate policies with views of Canadians and Indigenous partnerships. It also delved into views on energy affordability and Canadians’ intentions to electrify more of their energy needs.
The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on oil and gas, more particularly how important they are to Canada’s current and future economy as well as expanding oil and gas exports for a more secure global energy supply and to help combat climate change worldwide. Questions were also asked on the government’s performance in providing clear regulations for investors building energy infrastructure to meet climate objectives and in decision making on energy and climate change.
The research asked Canadians about their understanding of Canada's net zero targets, and gauged opinions on the country's climate policy and priorities compared to other major economies. Canadians were also asked about what most undermines and what most contributes to their confidence in the country’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This survey also assessed Canadian's climate ambition, their views on prioritizing the environment or economic growth and their concern for energy prices.
October 2023 - Views of Canadians on Canada's Energy Future
Research by Positive Energy and Nanos Research gauged the opinions among Canadians on Canada's energy future. Questions were asked on the role of oil and gas to the country's current and future economy, the expansion of oil and gas exports for security and climate, and support for growth in this sector as well as for renewable energy. Canadians were also asked about the future of Canada's electricity generation mix and their level of comfort with various electricity facilities in their communities. The survey also gauged opinions on government performance on energy decision-making and on developing a shared vision for Canada's energy future.
June 2023 - Canadians ambitious on climate but concerned about energy prices
Research by Positive Energy and Nanos Research gauged the opinions among Canadians on the level of concern for climate change and the economy. Canadians were also asked their views on the job done by Canada to implement environmental policies on climate change and ensuring energy remains affordable while working to meet climate change targets. Questions were also asked on actions taken to transition to electricity
Research by Positive Energy and Nanos Research gauged the opinions among Canadian on the oil and gas sector, more particularly how important they are to Canada’s current and future economy, expanding oil and gas exports, and support for growth in the oil and gas sector and the renewable energy sector. Questions were also asked on the government’s performance in providing clear regulation for investors building energy infrastructure to meet climate objectives, and in decision making on energy and climate change.
December 2022 - Majority of Canadians are concerned about energy prices for things like heating and transportation over the next six months
The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on accuracy of statements related to a low carbon economy and climate policy, concern for energy prices, and the job done by governments in Canada on ensuring energy affordability and security. Canadians were also asked about their views on the best time to address climate change.
July 2022 - Views of Canadians on energy, climate change, and the job done by the Government in Canada
Research by Positive Energy and Nanos Research gauged the opinions among Canadians on the job done by governments in Canada on meeting climate change targets, ensuring energy affordability and security, and balancing Canada’s economic, environmental and energy objectives. Canadians were also asked about their views on the best time to address climate, the level of agreement on climate action in Canada, Canada’s credibility on the international stage when it comes to environmental policies, and where Canada should be on meeting its climate change targets compared to other major economies.
May 2022 - Appetite to meet climate commitments continues to rise; Canada's credibility on the international stage when it comes to environmental policies on climate change improves from low to average since 2015
New survey results from Positive Energy and Nanos Research evaluate Canadians' appetite to meet established climate commitments, whether it is the right time for Canada to be ambitious in addressing climate change and drivers of views on timing to address climate change. It also evaluates Canada's international credibility on environmental policies.
March 2022 - Canadians rate level of agreement on energy and climate issues
New survey results from Positive Energy and Nanos Research evaluate how Canadians perceive the level of public consensus on a number of climate and energy issues. The survey asks Canadians about the current level of agreement on these issues, as well as the level of agreement relative to five years ago.
Urgency to act on climate change surging, but public confidence is weak
New survey results from Positive Energy and Nanos Research continue to track whether Canadians think it is a good time or a bad time to be ambitious in addressing climate change, and also exploring key questions related to public confidence in energy decision-making and Canada’s ability to act on climate.
Level of trust in the courts to decide on disputes for energy projects and climate change disputes not strong
New survey results from Positive Energy and Nanos Research shows that a large segment of the Canadian public does not trust the courts to settle disputes over energy projects or climate policy.
Climate ambition steady: Urgency to act now trending up
New survey results from Positive Energy and Nanos Research suggest Canadians’ climate ambition is holding steady during pandemic, but the sense of urgency to act appears to be trending up. This survey also asks Canadians how much they trust information about climate change from peer-reviewed science / researchers, traditional news media, NGOs, government agencies, politicians, industry and social media.
Polarization over Energy and Climate in Canada: Canada's Climate Performance, Renewables, Nuclear, Community Roles
New survey analysis by Positive Energy focuses on three issues that matter for Canada’s energy future in an age of climate change: the country’s climate performance; the present and future of renewables and nuclear energy; and the role that local communities should play in energy infrastructure projects.
Climate change ambition on the rise
How ambitious are Canadians' about addressing climate change in the context ofCOVID-19? What are their views on oil and gas during the pandemic? A new round of survey work from Positive Energy and Nanos Research suggests that a growing percentage of Canadians say this is a good rather than a bad time to be ambitious about climate change.
Polarization over Energy and Climate in Canada: Oil and Gas
New survey analysis from Positive Energy examines Canadians ’views on the role of oil and gas in Canada’s current and future economy, and the respective roles of federal and provincial governments in the country’s energy and climate future.
COVID-19 puts Canadians at the fulcrum of environment and economy
How do Canadians view the trade-offs between economic recovery and addressing climate change in an age of COVID-19? New survey work from Positive Energy and Nanos Research suggests that Canadians are still likelier to say this is the best rather than the worst time to be ambitious about climate change.
December 2019 – Polarization over Energy and Climate in Canada: Survey Results
Positive Energy released survey results, examining a range of issues pivotal to Canada’s energy future in an age of climate change. This novel survey will measure polarization on climate and energy issues across Canada on an ongoing basis. The survey was conducted by Positive Energy researchers Stephen Bird and Erick Lachapelle. The results arrive amidst growing concerns over polarization following the 2019 federal election.
In 2015, Nanos with Positive Energy at University of Ottawa designed and implemented the Energy and Environmental Leaders Panel, which brings together university experts and key decision-makers from industry, government, Indigenous communities, local communities and environmental organizations to share their thoughts on Canada’s energy future in an age of climate change.
Nanos and Positive Energy has tested polarization on a number of issues related to both Canada’s performance on energy and environmental issues, as well as agreement with energy and environmental policy positions. The trends show a potential emerging consensus on most issues, with polarization being greater around issues that involve economic and energy price trade-offs.
A majority of Canadians feel it is possible or somewhat possible for Canada to protect the environment while developing energy resources, while a comfortable majority also feel that protecting the environment should be given priority even if it leads to slower economic growth. Overall Canadians say Canada does a poor or very poor job at a number of policies and issues related to energy in Canada, such as balancing the concerns of local communities and building public confidence in energy projects
The majority of participating energy and environmental leaders agree or somewhat agree that Canada needs to better manage the cumulative effects of projects on local and indigenous communities, and that the ‘final say’ on projects crossing multiple communities should rest in the hands of federal or provincial/territorial governments.
October 2017 – Canadians more negative than positive about energy decision-making
When asked about Canada’s energy performance in terms of building public confidence in decision-making, balancing concerns of communities, developing a long-term shared vision and providing a clear policy and regulatory environment for investors, Canadians were more likely to say that Canada is doing a poor or very poor job.
October 2015 – Canadians’ Views on Canada’s Energy Future
Overall Canadians generally believe that it is possible to develop resources while protecting the environment and are supportive of investments in the renewable energy sector. They also clearly expect the federal government to take the lead and think the national interest is more important than local, provincial or Aboriginal views.
March 2015 – Canadians hopeful on energy development but want the environment to trump jobs
A national survey by Nanos Research commissioned for the Positive Energy Conference held in Ottawa, organized jointly by the Ivey Business School and the University of Ottawa on March 4-5, 2015 suggests that Canadians see a path forward that can reconcile environmental and energy priorities but want more federal leadership.