Realizing the Energy Transition

The Realizing the Energy Transition project helps ensure that the shift to clean energy in Western Canada is fair for everyone—especially workers and communities that depend on fossil fuels.  

By listening to people and businesses through interviews and surveys, it explores how communities see the risks and opportunities of energy transition. The goal is to find practical, widely supported policies that reduce emissions while protecting livelihoods.  

This research will support more inclusive, balanced decisions that reflect local values and help bridge political divides—ensuring that no one is left behind in Canada’s clean energy future. 

Milestones

• Surveyed 3,400 citizens in small and medium communities of Western Canada (January - March 2025)
• Led focus groups with B.C. and Alberta economic development officers (March 2025)
• First results shared at conferences in North America and Europe (May - October 2025)

People

Katya Rhodes, University of Victoria, Project lead
Basma Majerbi, University of Victoria, Co-lead
Tamara Krawchenko, University of Victoria, Co-lead
Julie MacArthur, Royal Roads University, Co-lead
Megan Egler, Post-doctoral fellow, Citizen Survey
Sam Lloyd, University of Victoria, PhD student
Mohammadhossein Lashkaripour, Post-doctoral fellow, Business Survey
Rowan Hargreaves, University of Victoria, MPA graduate

Partners and Collaborators

• Rebekah Rueben, Natural Resources Canada, Sustainable Jobs
• Dave Aharonian, BC Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy, Climate Action Secretariat
• Rebecca Sterritt, BC Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy, Climate Action Secretariat
• Megan Gordon, Pembina Institute
• Ana Guerra Marin, Iron & Earth
• Martin Boucher, Community Energy Cooperative
• Emily Huddart, University of British Columbia, Department of Sociology
• Brent Steel, Oregon State University, School of Public Policy