"We’re Too Dependent on China": Minister Wilkinson’s Wake-Up Call for Canada’s Energy Future

Fresh from a series of major announcements in northern Ontario, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, joined Toronto Region Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Giles Gherson, for a fireside chat to discuss Canada’s clean energy future. Min. Wilkinson stressed that our country must act quickly to secure critical minerals and take control of its energy supply chains if it wants to remain competitive on the global stage.

Critical mineral mines, smelters, refineries or advanced projects are located in all Canadian provinces and territories, except for Prince Edward Island.

“We’re too dependent on China right now,” Min. Wilkinson said, referencing Canada’s reliance on foreign suppliers for the critical minerals essential to electric vehicles (EVs) and battery production. “The Western world is in a pickle,” he continued. “For years, we’ve outsourced much of this supply to other countries, and now we find ourselves vulnerable. We need to reclaim our capacity to produce these resources at home or risk falling behind.” Min. Wilkinson’s remarks underscored the growing opportunity for Canada to position itself as a leader in sustainable energy production

Min. Wilkinson and Gherson focused on one of the most critical issues facing Canada’s clean energy transition: the looming shortage of skilled workers in the energy and manufacturing sectors. “Where are the workers going to come from?” Min. Wilkinson asked, underscoring the urgent need to address a significant demographic shift. A large portion of Canada’s skilled trades workforce is nearing retirement, particularly in industries like nuclear energy, energy transmission, and construction, where demand for skilled labor is set to skyrocket over the next decade.

Min. Wilkinson warned without strategic investments in education and apprenticeship programs by all levels of government, the private sector & higher education institutions, Canada could face delays in crucial energy projects—delays that would not only slow the clean energy transition but also impact economic growth. He pointed to the need for a coordinated effort between governments, schools and industries to encourage young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades, starting with reforms in school curricula to make these career paths more attractive.

In addition to domestic training, Min. Wilkinson highlighted immigration as a key strategy to address the looming workforce gaps. He said Canada’s immigration system must prioritize workers with specialized skills in areas like nuclear technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, "In the past, we haven’t typically focused on sourcing these types of skills through immigration, but the demand is going to be significant, and we will need to look everywhere to find the talent necessary to build these projects. If we can’t get the workforce, it will compromise our ability to achieve the prosperity all Canadians want.”

As the global push for clean energy accelerates, Min. Wilkinson outlined a nuanced view of where Canada’s energy future lies. While natural gas, hydrogen, and nuclear will all play roles, the challenge lies in balancing economic needs with environmental responsibility.

As part of the audience question and answer, the Minister spoke about the important role natural gas will continue to play in Canada’s energy mix, while also sharing his view that its contribution to reducing global emissions will depends heavily on effective emissions management throughout the supply chain. “It is only true under certain circumstances if you send natural gas to other countries that it helps,” he noted, emphasizing the need for responsible production and export practices. Looking ahead, Min. Wilkinson also spoke about how natural gas could play a key role in supporting the development of cleaner technologies, such as hydrogen production, ensuring it remains an integral part of Canada’s energy strategy while aligning with environmental goals.

Hydrogen, according to Min. Wilkinson, holds immense potential—particularly in heavy-duty transport and industrial sectors where electrification may not be feasible. Although Alberta leads in hydrogen development, Min. Wilkinson expressed optimism that other provinces, including Ontario, will catch up as infrastructure expands. He sees hydrogen as a key driver in Canada’s transition to clean energy.

Nuclear energy also remains central to Canada’s strategy. Wilkinson highlighted Bruce Power’s 4800 MW expansion and the rollout of small modular reactors (SMRs) at Darlington as crucial projects for reducing carbon emissions while ensuring energy security. Nuclear, he emphasized, will be indispensable for achieving net-zero goals and positioning Canada as a leader in global clean energy solutions.

As Canada navigates the complex challenges of transitioning to a sustainable energy future, the role of diverse energy sources—natural gas, hydrogen, and nuclear—will be critical. At the Board, we are committed to continuing the conversation about how our region can lead in these sectors.

Join us at our upcoming event, led by Bruce Power, as we dive into how Ontario’s nuclear industry is uniquely positioned to drive both clean energy production and medical isotope innovation. 

Thank you to our partners: