The Green Ribbon Panel announced that strengthening Canada-U.S. economic cooperation is critical to securing a sustainable energy future and economic resilience.
The independent organization, which includes leaders from Canada’s environmental and economic sectors, issued a statement following a high-level roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C late last week. The panel warned that tariffs could undermine a historic opportunity for the two nations to reinforce their energy security and economic leadership. Business, policy, and labour leaders at the event emphasized the interdependence of both countries in key sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and labour.
“Canada and the United States have a long history of economic collaboration that has driven growth and prosperity on both sides of the border,” said James Scongack, Chair of the Green Ribbon Panel. "Now, more than ever, we must reinforce this relationship to navigate the energy and economic challenges of the future."
The panel’s statement outlined five key areas in which Canada and the U.S. must collaborate: energy security, manufacturing, policy certainty, economic prosperity, and labour mobility. It highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in infrastructure such as electricity transmission, particularly in Ontario and the Great Lakes region, to ensure continued energy reliability.
The panel also voiced support for the "Fortress Am-Can strategy" on energy, a framework proposed by the Ontario government to strengthen Canada-U.S. energy cooperation.
“The Green Ribbon Panel believes in the importance of a strong energy alliance between Canada and the United States, enabling economic and energy security and to ensure both countries have access to reliable and affordable power sourced from democratic and stable regimes,” the statement read.
According to the panel, protecting North American supply chains for critical minerals, oil and gas, uranium, and medical isotopes is vital to economic stability. Additionally, ensuring a predictable policy environment is key to attracting long-term investments in energy infrastructure and projects.
The Green Ribbon Panel, established in 2020, continues to advocate for practical solutions to climate and energy challenges.
Members of the Green Ribbon Panel:
James Scongack, Bruce Power
Jeffrey Beach, Asthma Canada
Claire Dodds, Bruce County
Terry Young, Bruce Power Net Zero, former President & CEO of the Independent Electricity System Operator (Ontario)
Dennis Darby, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Vincent Caron, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Mark Fisher, Council of the Great Lakes Region
Robert Stasko, Hydrogen Business Council
Jessica Linthorne, Nuclear Innovation Institute
Daniel Tisch, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Cara Clairman, Plug’n Drive
Chris Hilkene, Pollution Probe
Steve McAulay, Pollution Probe
Jeff Parnell, Power Workers’ Union
John Sprackett, Power Workers’ Union
Rebecca Caron, Society of United Professionals