Page 6 - CERI 2017-2018 Annual Report

PRESIDENT & CEO'S MESSAGE

Last year, when I sat down to write this address, I had two competing

thoughts. One was the body of work CERI continues to contribute to, along
with other credible organizations, and the other was the dysfunction of the

energy dialogue in Canada.

These two perspectives have moved in different directions. First, I continue
to be pleased to represent CERI in many provincial, national and
international events. Our presentations seek to inform decision-makers

regarding the complexity of our energy systems and the benefits and costs
associated with producing and consuming oil, natural gas and electricity.

Second, I note that our national energy dialogue continues to be

challenging. Examples of the difference of opinion can be seen in the
conflict between Canada and British Columbia regarding the TransMountain

Expansion Project, and Canada and Saskatchewan regarding carbon pricing.
These show that any consideration of a low carbon transition will be
difficult. We have yet to find the right balance between environmental

protection and economic growth. Fact-based analysis, CERI’s role in the
debate, is critical in providing the information needed to reach compromise

solutions.

A key consideration is assessing the myriad of impacts that low carbon
motivated changes to our energy systems will have on our lives and

economy. The debate is difficult because we have become accustomed to
making decisions on specific issues, but not systems. Canada is attempting
to make some explicit decisions on how we will evolve these systems

without a complete understanding of how they affect our society.

CERI has started looking at these issues recently with a

few studies of note. Two of which examined the oil

refining market in central and eastern Canada and

mapped out the cost of electricity services with an

evaluation of traditional and new electricity generation

options.