Energy is a basic part of our lives: it affects everything we do. It impacts the decisions we make in our personal lives, like how we get to work and whether to invest in an energy-efficient furnace. It affects the policies made by governments, like whether to build a pipeline or create a tax on carbon. And it affects the world trying to balance global energy security with the need to decarbonize.
So it’s important to stay informed and up-to-date on energy issues. That’s especially true for Canadians: we’re a global producer and supplier of natural gas and oil, and the energy industry is vital to our national economy.
While the energy landscape is vast, complex and ever-changing, there are several sources where Canadians of all ages can find credible information on energy issues. It’s important for Canadians to learn all sides of an issue through various news and information sources, to help support open and informed dialogue and decisions.
Here are a few information sources you may find helpful.
1. Explore this website
Context: Energy Examined provides stories and information on current energy issues through articles, infographics, profiles, commentaries, fun factoids, podcasts and videos. It’s constantly updated with the latest news and up-to-date perspectives and is a good way to stay tuned to the pulse of energy issues in Canada.
2. Visit capp.ca
CAPP’s main website is a great way to learn about the natural gas and oil industry, from exploration and production to environmental concerns, technical advances to improve environmental performance, country-wide economic benefits and much more. The website is enriched with infographics, fact sheets, publications, videos and links to many other information sources, presented in a visually engaging way that’s also written for a non-technical audience. Check out CAPP’s info-packed fact books, Canada’s Natural Gas Fact Book and Canada’s Oil Sands Fact Book, and CAPP on Youtube.
3. Try Energy IQ (especially teachers and kids)
Energy IQ – a program developed by Canadian Geographic Education – delivers integrated, bilingual outreach and education to increase Canadians’ energy literacy. The program is oriented to students and teachers but the website is engaging and factual with loads of videos, slides, factoids and maps appropriate for any age, grade or energy-literacy level. Energy IQ focuses on energy production, distribution, consumption and conservation, framed within the larger context of global energy – and that’s all forms of energy, from natural gas and oil to coal, electricity, wind and solar, and other energy sources.
Since its launch in 2012, Energy IQ has become a valued tool for learning about Canada’s dynamic energy landscape, exploring energy topics and accessing useful learning resources ranging from short videos to regional fact books, lesson plans, infographics and a new interactive map. The program has received numerous accolades and supporting testimonials from teachers, who appreciate the importance of balanced, factual information on energy-related topics.
4. Nerd out at NRCan
Who doesn’t love a good factoid? Energy Facts, a website created and maintained by Natural Resources Canada, is a great source of facts and statistics on Canada’s energy industry.
5. Keep your energy focus
Here are more online resources to help you stay informed on energy issues:
Canada’s Energy Citizens– a lively site with easy-to-understand graphics and videos.
Canadian Energy Centre – a Canadian perspective on national and global energy issues.
Resource Works – focused on the energy industry in B.C.
Daily Oil Bulletin – news, data and analysis on natural gas and oil topics.
