The Pembina Institute envisions a Northern Canada where people thrive in a healthy environment, and where people's needs are met in a way that protects the earth's living systems; ensures clean air, land and water; prevents dangerous climate change; and provides for safe and just communities. The Pembina Institute is working to make this vision a reality by advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy. For more information, please visit Our Work.
Below are some of our recent Northern Canada initiatives.
Young Leaders' Summit on Northern Climate Change
From August 17 to 20, 2009, young leaders will converge in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to discuss climate change, share their stories and build their skills. The summit will empower young leaders to tackle the greatest challenge facing the planet—climate change. For more information about the summit, which is being organized by the Gwich'in Council International, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Climate Action Network Canada, Ecology North, and the Pembina Institute, please visit www.climateleaders.ca.
Northern Leaders Oil Sands Tour
The Pembina Institute is organizing a Northern Leaders Oil Sands Tour that will take place June 8 to 12, 2009. Aboriginal, municipal and other leaders from the Northwest Territories will tour the Fort McMurray oil sands region in Alberta. 
Participants will learn about the environmental and social impacts of oil sands development and meet with individuals associated with oil sands development. The Pembina Institute also offers Northern Oil and Gas and the Environment Workshops in Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Our next workshop will be held in March 2009 in the Calgary region. [MORE]
The Waters That Bind Us
Protecting Water Resources North of the Oil Sands
A new report by the Pembina Institute, The Waters That Bind Us: Transboundary Implications of Oil Sands Development, has found that current water management practices are not sufficient to protect water in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories from the impacts of oil sands development. Oil sands development uses large quantities of freshwater and produces large amounts of toxic waste, posing a risk to water quality and quantity both locally and downstream.
The report includes a number of recommendations for improving water management and minimizing risks to water, including the completion of a transboundary water agreement between Alberta and the Northwest Territories and the suspension of new oil sands lease sales and approvals until stronger environmental rules protecting water are in place.
Read the press release // fact sheet // full report.
Arctic Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Groups Call for Action on Climate Change
A coalition of northern Canadian Indigenous organizations and environmental groups has released a declaration calling on the Government of Canada to show leadership in fighting global warming at home and abroad and to increase financing to help Northern Canada reduce emissions and adapt to the impact of
climate change. The Inuvik Declaration on Arctic Climate Change and Global Action, released at the United Nations climate change negotiations in Poznan, Poland, was signed by the Gwich'in Council International, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Climate Action Network Canada-Réseau action climat Canada, Ecology North, and the Pembina Institute. According to the declaration, "The Arctic is now warming rapidly with much larger changes projected. Climate change presents pressing problems for Arctic Indigenous peoples and residents, as well as risks to Arctic species and ecosystems." For more information, please read the declaration and the press release.
Recent Events
2009 International Wind-Diesel Workshop
June 1-2, 2009. Ottawa, Ontario
The 2009 International Wind-Diesel Workshop brought together a focused group of interested parties — government, private industry and non-governmental organizations — to share experiences, discuss the future of wind-diesel in Canada and internationally, and to showcase specific projects, companies and products.
For more information about our work to advance sustainable energy solutions, please visit our Renewable Energy page.
