Alternatives North | June 2026
By Bob Bromley
Amidst the chaotic unravelling threatening human and ecosystem security, it is hard to watch Canada’s Prime Minister abandon climate action while increasing reliance on high-emitting and expensive fossil fuels. Most of us are experiencing climate impacts already and worry about costs to our families and communities, and to generations to come. What can we do?
What the Federal Government Has Done — and Undone
In the past year, Prime Minister Carney eliminated the consumer carbon price; abandoned the oil and gas emissions cap; cut billions in climate spending; diminished greenwashing rules; and expanded fossil fuel subsidies. Through the Alberta-Canada MOU, he delayed methane regulations, undercut clean power regulations, and laid the groundwork for increased oil production. He replaced the electric vehicle sales mandate with short-term incentives, increased fossil fuel subsidies for liquefied natural gas and enhanced oil recovery, and introduced an electricity strategy that draws heavily on the gas industry while further weakening clean electricity regulations.
Just think what he could do if he actually focused on addressing the changing climate — as promised.
Recent polling shows that most Canadians are concerned about climate change and want action. Most of us don’t want to feel helplessness or despair. Most of us want our governments to aggressively pursue alternatives to fossil fuels. Fossil fuels carry rising costs, serious health impacts, and significant inefficiencies — and their combustion is the primary driver of climate change. These are sound reasons to transition to renewables.
Renewable Energy Works in the North
Renewable energy from the sun, wind, flowing water, wood, and geothermal heat is readily available and proven to work in northern conditions. Renewable sources have low operational costs because the fuel is free and secure. When we include Renewable Diesel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and wood pellets, we can meet all our energy needs from renewable — and often local — sources.
District heating systems could recover heat from generators and use locally sourced wood chips, increasing local economic benefits while reducing emissions. Beyond switching energy sources, retrofitting existing buildings and ensuring all new construction meets the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standards would provide lasting local employment and long-term cost savings
Efficiency, Storage, and the Electrotech Revolution
Fossil fuels are inherently inefficient — much of the energy they produce is lost to waste heat. Electricity is far more efficient, meaning we only need to replace about one third the amount of fossil fuel energy with electricity to meet the same needs.
New options for storing excess energy — including battery electric storage systems and seasonal energy storage — help reduce costs, improve reliability, increase efficiency, and smooth grid operations. And “electrotech” — the revolution in how the world generates, uses, and manages electricity — enables modern smart grids with digital management, sensors, and two-way communication that can automatically reroute energy to prevent outages and seamlessly integrate different energy sources.
What We Can Do
Yes, Prime Minister Carney has taken Canada offline from responsibly addressing the climate crisis. And yes, it is costing us. But we have options. Let’s demand that our local and regional leaders act on them.
Communities are already getting together — gathering, sharing concerns, discussing options, and deciding on the most effective actions. This is how we build community, address the climate crisis, and ensure a healthier future for all.
Are you ready to meet like-minded people and talk about how to get this done? Consider holding a neighbourhood discussion to build hope and inspiration. Act now and be part of the change we want to see.
Take Action
One option is to attend or host a climate conversation picnic in your community — or connect with Seniors for Climate (all ages welcome) for organized events near you.
Bob Bromley is a member of Alternatives North and a former MLA for Yellowknife Frame Lake. Alternatives North is a Yellowknife-based social justice coalition. Learn more at alternativesnorth.ca.