As we move into 2026, Canada Powered by Women is reflecting on a year that reshaped how Canadians think about energy, trade, and economic security.
In 2025, global instability, a change in federal government, and renewed trade pressure shifted energy firmly into the centre of national policy discussions. Tariff threats under President Trump sharpened concerns about affordability and Canada’s reliance on trading partners, while political change in Ottawa reopened conversations about building, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity. Through our Perspectives coverage, research, and national events, CPW tracked how these forces converged to redefine energy as a strategic economic asset.
What emerged over the year was a clear shift in tone. Energy was no longer framed primarily as a point of division, but as a practical foundation for resilience, affordability, and growth. Women across the country consistently emphasized the need for balanced policies that protect households while strengthening Canada’s economic position.
Here is a look back at the themes that defined 2025:
Trade pressure, tariffs, and economic resilience
Trade vulnerability was a defining concern throughout the year. The return of tariff threats reframed Canada’s relationship with the United States and highlighted the risks of over-dependence.
We examined how export capacity with LNG and infrastructure access have become central to protecting jobs and affordability in an uncertain trade environment.
This theme was reinforced in CUSMA: safety net not strategy, which explored why trade agreements alone cannot substitute for domestic capacity, diversified markets, and energy independence.
In our new national report, we discovered that women consistently linked economic resilience to Canada’s ability to control its own energy future.
A change in government and renewed focus on building
Canada’s federal election marked a reset in how energy and infrastructure were discussed at the national level. Throughout 2025, CPW tracked early signals of improved federal-provincial alignment and a stronger emphasis on project delivery.
In Clearing the path: why Canada needs energy corridors to compete, we examined how regulatory delays and fragmented approvals raise costs and undermine investment confidence.
That focus continued in What the data shows about the new Canada – Alberta pipeline opportunity, which highlighted growing public support for infrastructure that improves market access and economic stability.
The momentous MOU between the Alberta and federal government and the new National Projects office, signals a significant shift in energy policy.
These discussions carried through CPW’s advocacy days, where women emphasized urgency while underscoring the importance of credibility and follow-through.
Energy ambition and the return of the energy superpower conversation
One of the most notable developments of 2025 was the return of ambition. The idea of Canada as an energy superpower re-emerged as a serious policy framework rather than a slogan.
In Build now: how fast should policy move?, we explored why timing matters if Canada is to seize current economic and geopolitical opportunities.
That ambition was further examined in Framing climate policy as growth strategy, which reflected a broader effort to align emissions progress with competitiveness and investment certainty.
Under Mark Carney, policies point to a shift on affordability, infrastructure and independence.
What we learned and what comes next
The past year reaffirmed that Canadian women want energy policy that delivers results. They support building infrastructure, diversifying trade, and advancing climate solutions, provided these efforts protect household costs and economic security. Perspectives highlighted that energy moves beyond just heating the home and fueling our cars, it is our lifeline and even our healthcare system wouldn’t function without it.
2025 did not resolve every challenge, but it marked a shift from hesitation to readiness for act. As Canada enters the next phase, execution will matter more than intent. CPW will continue to translate research, dialogue, and lived experience into practical insights, ensuring women’s voices remain central to decisions shaping Canada’s energy and economic future.
Finally, please read our Impact Report here to understand the scope and impact of our work in 2025.