In November 2007, the National Energy Board released Canada’s Energy Future—Reference Case and Scenarios to 2030, a report on possible Canadian energy trends to 2030. Two of the energy scenarios considered were Triple E (“A balancing of economic, environmental and energy objectives means this scenario has well-functioning energy markets, cooperative international agreements and the most rigorous energy demand management policies”) and Fortified Islands, (“Security concerns dominate this scenario with geopolitical unrest, a lack of international cooperation and trust, and protectionist government policies”).

With Irving adopting the name Fort Reliance for its new energy company (Re-energizing a dynasty, Irvings gains a new name, 25 June) and the Chinese not rushing to invest in North American energy projects (An unquenchable thirst for oil, 25 June), it’s easy to see which scenario we’re following.

Larry Hughes
Published, Globe and Mail, 26 June 2009