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March 2011 News Update
In This IssueEnergy Drives Canada 2011
Across the country, Canada is fuelled by its energy sources. These sources include both renewables like hydro and wind, as well as nonrenewables like oil and natural gas. And if they’re unified by anything, it’s this: we use them a lot more than we talk about them.
In 2009, the Centre for Energy used our Energy Drives Canada program to send our friend Norm on a cross-country road trip to discover how Canada’s energy sources fuel its cars, heat its homes and make the lives of Canadians better.
This year, we’re taking a trip with a whole new crew — Canada’s Energy BOT Squad. Like Norm, our Energy BOTs are a way of talking about Canada's essential energy sources.
Every week, the Centre for Energy introduces a new Energy BOT with a new story to tell about energy — from the way that their energy source is used to the global conditions of each source. Every entry includes an easy-to-read dossier with information about the energy source and is accompanied by learning resources from around the web. From videos to our own learning resources, from fast facts to simple illustrations, the Energy BOT Squad is a fun way of making the energy sources that fuel Canada seem as near as they already are.
Because we know that energy literacy begins early, we took our own show on the road and set up information booths at several teachers' conferences. With programs like Energy Drives Canada designed to make it easy to learn about energy, and our learning resources available for students in K – 12, we spread the word about Canadians’ energy literacy.
Our stops included the Calgary City Teachers’ Convention and the Edmonton NE Teachers’ Convention, were we talked to teachers about the resources they need to connect Canada’s energy to the students that use it every day. We also attended Inside Education’s Generate 2011 – An Energy Literacy Youth Summit, in March, where students and teachers came together to talk about science, technology, the environment, energy issues and careers related to energy in Alberta.
After all, we’re always happy to talk about energy.
For the second year in a row, the Centre for Energy conducted a survey to measure the energy literacy of Canadians. As in our last survey, what we found was a mix of optimism and caution — proof that Canadians are hopeful that the country will remain an energy superpower, but also that there are areas where they can still learn more.
The results of these surveys help the Centre for Energy shape our programming for the coming years. They provide a glimpse into Canadian’s understanding and aspirations for their country as well as an outlet for their opinions to be heard.
Our most recent survey showed a noticeable drop in the number of Canadians who believe Canada can meet its future energy needs — from 82 per cent in 2009 to 76 per cent in 2010. At the same time, Canadians increasingly believe it is important for Canada to be a global energy leader — from 82 per cent in 2009 to 89 per cent in 2010.
As an organization devoted to keeping the public informed about energy issues, the Centre for Energy continues to be keenly interested about the current state of Canadians’ energy literacy. Our continued polling of Canadians on energy issues will be a central pillar of our outreach efforts.
In June the Canada Science and Technology Museum will open its new national program that explores Canada’s energy production and consumption and the implications of greening the energy network. The program, titled - "Let’s Talk Energy" is a six-year event that will offer a series of exhibitions as well as live and virtual programs and activities. These exhibitions will explore three themes: how we use our energy, where our energy comes from and how we can use energy more responsibly.
Out and About
Our BOTs aren’t the only energy experts talking around the country. Canadian energy events are happening in major cities across the country throughout the next quarter.
Calgary, April 4 – 5
The Canadian Energy Research Institute will host “Shifting Demand in the Future – The Hydrocarbon Age Continues”, asking: “The future looks good, but, in light of the continued attacks on the oil sands environmental persona, coupled with grumblings about the safety of transported product on Canadian pipelines entering the United States, does it really look that good?
Canada, April 22
Earth Day will mean a host of events across the country, in every province, raising awareness about environmental issues.
Alberta, May 3 – 31
Energy in Action (EIA) is a series of events across Alberta produced by CAPP and designed to teach students in grades four and five about Alberta’s oil and natural gas resources and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Toronto, May 24 – 26
The Electricity Sector Council’s 2011 Bright Futures in Canada Conference is a career showcase for anyone interested in working in the electricity sector.
Across the country, June 5 – 11
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, so the Commuter Challenge during Environment Week is a great chance for all Canadians to think their daily drive.
St. John’s, June 20 – 23
The Newfoundland & Labrador Oil & Gas Industries Association (NOIA) will host its annual conference, titled “Play on the Edge,” in June.