Richard Riegert Memorial Lecture: The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy: Unearthing Energy Security in Canada

Abstract

Canada’s economy has historically been built on natural resources. In response to the risk of climate change, energy security, and environmental and social governance pressures, Canada has begun to transition towards a net zero economy. Canada has pledged to be net zero by 2050. Critical minerals are vital to the new green and digital economy and key to energy security moving forward. Canada, like many other countries, is in a race to secure and develop critical minerals. Canada’s national critical minerals strategy aims to develop critical minerals and associated value chains, while also creating opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship. This article highlights and discusses Canada’s strategy, the Canadian regulatory environment, and the strategies of Canada’s global competitors.