Discussion paper floats ways Ottawa can help fund giant electrical grid buildout

Power transmission lines are seen with the Rocky Mountains in the background near Pincher Creek, Alta., Thursday, June 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Clean energy advocates say they’re encouraged Ottawa’s upcoming electricity strategy will consider ways government can help finance a massive cross-country buildout in power infrastructure.

A discussion paper laying out the broad strokes of the plan says the federal government is strongly committed to supporting investment and sharing in the cost of doubling the country’s grid by 2050.

That could be through tax credits, as well as financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Canada Growth Fund and Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program.

The document highlights a potential role for institutional investors like pension funds, which have been increasingly gravitating toward infrastructure projects that deliver long-term stability and predictable yields.

Kevin Thomas, chief executive at shareholder advocacy group SHARE, says he believes there will be strong investor appetite in not just building out the grid itself, but in the manufacturing, technology and clean generation activities the strategy opens up.

Dale Beugin, executive vice-president at the Canadian Climate Institute, says economic and employment benefits could flow as Ottawa invests in the workforce, hardware and grid components necessary to pull off the buildout.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2026.

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press