Ontario’s Clean Energy Reality Check: What the Latest Poll Reveals and Why It Matters
Written by Tyrell Lisson, Managing Director, Big Red Red Oak
A recent Leger report reveals a striking disconnect between Ontarians' concerns and the urgency of climate action. When asked to rank their top priorities, only 15% of Canadians placed environmental issues like climate change among their top three concerns. In contrast, the cost of living (21%) and healthcare (18%) topped the list.
The basic point is that a substantial number of Ontarians are more worried about their household expenses than greenhouse gas emissions. While a majority still express concern about climate change, economic anxieties often push it to the back burner. The report also highlights another key issue: Public knowledge about clean energy remains low. Many Canadians aren’t aware of where their electricity comes from or what "clean energy" entails.
For instance, while Canada’s electricity grid is over 80% non-emitting (thanks to hydro and nuclear power), a large portion of the public remains unaware of this fact. In one survey, nearly 48% of Canadian women admitted that their lack of knowledge on energy issues makes discussing the topic difficult. This information gap is a major hurdle to building widespread support for clean energy initiatives.
Why Public Awareness and Education Matter More Than Ever
These findings carry a clear warning: Without strong public engagement, Canada’s transition to clean energy could stall. When voters prioritize immediate economic concerns over environmental issues, policymakers face challenges in pushing forward bold climate policies — unless the economic benefits are made clear.
The truth is that clean energy and affordability go hand in hand. Ontario’s own experience shows that investing in renewables can create jobs and stabilize long-term costs. However, a significant communications gap remains. As the Toronto Region Board of Trade noted, public trust in clean energy initiatives depends on "clear, actionable communication and tangible affordability benefits."
This means Canadians need to hear, in plain language, what’s in it for them. Instead of abstract discussions about emissions, people need concrete examples, such as how installing a heat pump can cut their utility bills or how hydropower contributes to cleaner air. Without these relatable narratives, public skepticism will persist, and the clean energy transition will face resistance.
Canada’s Potential as a Clean Energy Leader: A Sleeping Giant
Ironically, Canada is perfectly positioned to be a global leader in clean energy. Our country has:
Abundant renewable resources: massive hydro capacity in Quebec and British Columbia, world-class wind corridors in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and promising solar potential in Ontario.
An already clean electricity grid: Over 80% of Canada’s power comes from non-emitting sources.
A growing investment landscape: At the end of 2023, over 220 energy projects worth nearly $300 billion were in development, including $159 billion in clean tech investments.
Provinces like Quebec and Manitoba export surplus hydropower to the U.S., and Canada’s wind energy capacity has surged from nearly zero to 14,000 MW in just 15 years. With further investment, these sectors could expand dramatically, creating jobs and economic opportunities.
To capitalize on this momentum, public confidence is crucial. Investors need policy stability, and the public needs a clear understanding of clean energy’s economic advantages. As recent polls suggest, without effective messaging, public support for clean energy will lag behind economic concerns.
Leading the Conversation and Turning Insight Into Action
The biggest takeaway? Effective storytelling is essential to drive change. Even with billions of dollars flowing into clean energy projects, public buy-in remains crucial for long-term success.
This is where Big Red Oak comes in. As Canada’s clean energy marketing and communications agency, we bridge the gap between technical energy topics and everyday conversations. Our expertise lies in:
Translating complex clean energy policies into relatable, engaging narratives.
Highlighting the economic benefits of clean energy investments.
Showcasing how clean energy projects create jobs and reduce long-term costs.
For policymakers, business leaders and energy professionals, the message is clear: Public engagement and education must be a top priority. Every new wind farm, solar project and clean tech investment is more than infrastructure—it’s a story of economic opportunity, affordability and national progress.
The Path Forward
The latest Leger report is a wake-up call. Public sentiment shapes energy policy, and currently, economic concerns outweigh environmental ones. But Canada has the resources, talent and financial backing to lead the global clean energy transition.
By communicating the tangible benefits of clean energy, we can turn skepticism into support and accelerate Canada’s clean energy revolution.
Connect with Big Red Oak today and craft a compelling message that transforms public sentiment into active support for clean energy projects.