When we talk about Canada’s energy future, we often hear about electrification, renewables, and reducing emissions.
These are essential pieces of the puzzle. But there is another side to the story, one that is already supporting our homes, economy, and daily lives more reliably and affordably than any other energy source: natural gas.
Today, more than 20 million Canadians rely on natural gas for hot water, heating, cooking, and fuelling key sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and electricity generation. In fact, natural gas meets 40% of Canadian energy needs — double that of electricity.
With a new federal government placing fresh emphasis on energy security, it’s time to take a closer look at the full value of Canada’s natural gas system and what we risk losing if access to this energy source was restricted.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- What makes Canada’s natural gas advantage unique
- How natural gas supports our economy, our energy system, and emissions goals
- Why short-sighted policies may threaten Canada’s advantage
- How you can take action to support natural gas in Canada
Natural gas supports our lives, the economy, and the grid
Natural gas is more than just a fuel. Delivered across eight provinces and two territories, its vast infrastructure and resource base support daily life and economic stability. From homes and hospitals to farms and factories, natural gas plays a role in nearly every sector.
- More than 20 million Canadians rely on it every day for cooking and comfort
- Natural gas supplies close to 40% of Canada’s total energy needs
- It supports the industries that keep Canada running, including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing
As an abundant Canadian resource, natural gas is also one of the most cost-effective energy options available. It remains consistently more affordable than electricity in most provinces. And because the infrastructure is already built and maintained, energy can be delivered with a high degree of reliability, even during peak demand.
Built-in resilience
Canada’s natural gas network includes nearly 600,000 kilometres of underground pipeline, making it one of the most extensive and durable energy systems in the country. Unlike above-ground lines, the network stays protected and dependable during storms, cold snaps, and other extreme weather events.
Case in point: during the January 2024 polar vortex, natural gas systems in parts of Canada delivered almost 10 times the energy of Alberta’s electric grid at peak demand.
Canada also has significant natural gas reserves. Current estimates suggest it could meet national demand for roughly 200 years — a level of security no other energy source can match at scale. In addition, we have access to gas that is stored seasonally that can meet up to 90 days of demand.
Policy at a crossroads: What we risk losing
Despite clear benefits, natural gas is under growing pressure from policies that prioritize electrification above all else, without ensuring the grid is ready for that shift.
For example, some municipalities are banning new natural gas connections. Others are adopting building codes that eliminate gas from new housing developments.
These decisions risk removing natural gas from the equation entirely, which would lead to reduced energy choice for consumers, higher household costs, and increased demand on an electricity system that is already strained.
Let’s not forget:
- Fully electrifying heating could overload the grid during peak times
- Restrictive codes could increase home construction costs in the middle of a housing crisis
- Removing gas from the mix would increase energy bills and reduce overall system resilience
Canada’s gas infrastructure is built and ready, capable of delivering natural gas, hydrogen, and RNG today and into the future. Restricting access now means closing the door on tomorrow's opportunities. We cannot allow short-sighted policies to block Canadians from a system designed to serve them for generations.
The opportunity: A smarter, integrated energy future
It’s not a choice between natural gas, electricity, or renewables. The smartest path forward includes all the above.
Natural gas and electricity already work together to fuel Canada, and they can continue to do so in more efficient ways. A diversified energy mix that includes natural gas, renewables, and emerging technologies is the most cost-effective path to energy security.
Innovation is already underway
Canada’s gas infrastructure is already enabling the next generation of energy solutions, including:
- Renewable natural gas (RNG) made from landfills, farms, and waste
- Hydrogen blending, using existing pipelines to deliver lower-emission fuel
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions at the source
- Efficiency programs and advanced leak detection to reduce waste and improve performance
Together, these innovations are making natural gas even more efficient, while maintaining the affordability and reliability Canadians depend on.
Canada has what it takes to be a global energy leader
But only if we protect and invest in our strengths.
Our ability to supply LNG to international markets depends on a stable, supported domestic system. Without it, we risk falling behind while other countries move forward with strategic energy planning.
Natural gas is more than a domestic advantage: it’s a geopolitical and economic opportunity. It supports trade, attracts investment, and helps reinforce Canada’s independence on the world stage.
The bottom line: Canadians need policy that supports energy choice, resilience, and innovation
As energy demands continue to grow, natural gas must remain part of Canada’s energy mix, working alongside electricity and renewables to:
- Keep homes warm and businesses running
- Back up the grid when it’s needed most
- Deliver affordable energy through a system that already exists
Help protect Canada’s natural gas advantage
Energy security affects everyone. Let your voice be heard.
- Write to your policymakers: Let them know you support energy choice, reliability, and innovation in gas energy.
- Share this blog: Help more Canadians understand what’s at stake.
