Victoria, BC, March 5th, 2026 — David Miller, co-chair of Elbows Up for Climate, a coalition of over 280 mayors and councillors representing more than 10 million Canadians, made the following statement about a landmark provincial-territorial agreement to build Canada’s clean electricity grid: 

“We welcome the announcement of a provincial-territorial agreement to build Canada’s national electricity grid. 

“A national commitment from 10 provinces and territories to an electric, East-West-North grid powered by affordable and reliable clean energy can transform Canada into a clean energy superpower. This is the kind of clean nation-building project that we’ve been calling for since the federal election last year. Projects that support local jobs, lower utility bills, and our climate. 

“A super-majority of Canadians (77 percent) support upgrading our grid. When given the choice, Canadians prefer a connected east-west electricity grid to help power Canada’s economy with renewable energy over a new pipeline to transport oil to either the East or West Coast for export.

“The vast majority of Canadians also feel pride about Canada becoming a clean energy superpower. This is no surprise, given a majority of Canadians are increasingly concerned about the impacts of climate change on their families and communities, and they want the federal government to do more to address it.

“We urge provinces, territories, the Major Projects Office and the federal government to continue this work by rapidly investing in a national clean electricity grid so that Canada, Canadians, and local businesses can achieve their full potential. 

“Furthermore, we call on the federal, territorial and provincial governments to partner with local and Indigenous governments to ensure that renewable electricity can be generated, stored and deployed in communities big and small across the country, including to Canada’s north.

“Today’s announcement is a clear step in the right direction—one that says Elbows Up for Canada and Elbows Up for Climate.”