I am pleased to introduce the 2026 edition of Canada’s Energy Future. Like its predecessors, this report explores how Canada’s energy system could evolve over the long term. It also reflects the unique challenges and opportunities of today’s world, where rapid technological change, shifting global political and economic dynamics, and heightened uncertainty is reshaping the context in which Canadians live and work.
The value of a long-term outlook lies in its ability to cut through short-term noise and provide a structured way to think about the future. This report builds on past editions, while also evolving in response to feedback and changes in the energy landscape. This includes deeper analysis of energy security and trade diversification, an expanded look at Indigenous perspectives on the energy transition, and new insights on emerging drivers such as the growing electricity needs of data centres.
Our team also considered how best to reflect the major uncertainties shaping Canada’s energy future, from shifting trade patterns to volatile global policy and changing economic conditions. This report explores a broad range of potential outcomes including by capturing the effect of both higher and lower economic growth and prices. We also continue to examine one possible pathway for Canada to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Together, this range of futures provides a way to test assumptions, understand how different forces could shape Canada’s energy system, and support evidence-based dialogue. No single outlook can capture every possibility; the value lies in comparing scenarios to see how different assumptions change the picture and what commonalities emerge.
As always, Canada’s Energy Future is not a forecast or prediction of the future. It does not recommend a particular course of action. The various modeled scenarios are based on different assumptions, and these assumptions should not be interpreted as policy preferences or recommendations. Instead, it provides a transparent platform to inform Canadians about the possible paths ahead and serves as a foundation for broader dialogue and further analysis, helping diverse audiences explore the implications and opportunities within Canada’s evolving energy landscape.
I want to thank everyone who shared their insights with us throughout the development of this report. This includes experts from across the energy system, government and industry representatives. It also includes Indigenous Peoples engaged through our collaboration with Mokwateh, whose input enabled us to provide a section in this report about Indigenous perspectives on the future of energy in Canada. All of your perspectives helped inform our assumptions, improve our analysis, and strengthen this report. I also want to recognize the dedication and expertise of the Canada Energy Regulator team, whose work and commitment made this report possible.
Sincerely,
Tracy Sletto,
Chief Executive Officer
Canada Energy Regulator
