Page 7 - CERI 2017-2018 Annual Report

PRESIDENT & CEO'S MESSAGE

When it came to central and eastern Canadian refineries, we considered the

total impact of importing oil versus sourcing additional domestic oil. We
noted that using more Canadian sourced oil would increase Canada’s

greenhouse gas emissions but result in lower global emissions. From a
systems perspective, should we look only at the emissions within our nation

or, since we are dealing with the global challenge of climate change, should
we consider total global emissions? A systems approach would suggest the
latter.

Regarding our electricity system, our policy options for reducing emissions

rely on a low carbon grid system that can grow and accommodate new
demands for energy, in particular, for transportation. CERI’s study looking at

generation options is part of work which aims to provide a broader
understanding including electricity demand management options and what

economic impacts we will face when moving away from fossil fuels in
transportation. Is our society prepared for the labour dislocation moving
from retail gasoline business activities toward electricity distribution

services? How will the design of our cities be affected by changes in the use of
electric and autonomous freight and passenger vehicles? Will we see an

erosion in the value proposition for public transit?

These questions are, but a few of the many decision-makers in government
and business will need to understand as they consider investments in

infrastructure, changes to our tax systems and private sector investment
opportunities. The changes we are discussing are unprecedented;
concerning Canada’s commitment to battling Climate Change. The demand

for fact-based information is increasing exponentially. We need a lot more
of this information if Canada, its provinces and territories can minimize

unintended consequences and maximize the opportunities of change. CERI
is actively involved in filling the information gap, now and into the future.