Introduction
These profiles explore the diverse energy systems across Canada by providing facts on energy production, use, transformation, transportation, and trade.
Canada is rich in energy supply—including large hydroelectric reservoirs in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, hydrocarbon resources in western Canada and offshore of the East Coast, uranium deposits in northern Saskatchewan, and abundant wind and solar potential across the whole country. This wealth of resources ranks Canada in 2023 as the fifth largest natural gas producer, fourth largest crude oil producer, third largest hydroelectricity producer and fourteenth largest renewable electricity generator.Footnote 1 Energy is also a significant driver of the Canadian economy, contributing roughly 11.8% of gross domestic product in 2022 and directly employing over 290,300 people.Footnote 2
How Canadians use energy varies as much as how Canadians produce it. Natural gas and refined petroleum products (RPPs), such as gasoline, diesel, and heating oil, are the two largest forms of energy consumed by Canadians. Hydro-rich jurisdictions generally use more electricity, while jurisdictions with broad natural gas distribution networks use more natural gas than those with limited or no natural gas distribution networks.
Our energy production and consumption habits also have environmental implications. Hydrocarbon-producing or coal-consuming jurisdictions generally have a higher greenhouse gas footprint than hydroelectric- and nuclear-based jurisdictions.
Canada is a mosaic of diverse and evolving energy systems. These systems provide Canadians with the energy they need, when they need it.
We welcome your comments, questions, and feedback:
energy-energie@cer-rec.gc.ca
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