January 9, 2019 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
As a world leader in the production and use of renewable energy, Canada recognizes the power of international partnership to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Minister of Natural Resources, Amarjeet Sohi, today announced that Canada has officially become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), joining 159 countries in an intergovernmental organization devoted to providing clean, sustainable energy for the world's growing population.
IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, providing a platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence and a repository of policy, technology and resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.
As a member of IRENA, Canada will continue to actively promote its expertise in the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, increase the presence and visibility of its cleantech sector internationally and demonstrate its leadership in renewable energy. Through this important international forum, Canada will also shape the ongoing global dialogue on renewable energy and climate change, including on issues such as energy access and gender equality.
The growing green economy is among the greatest economic opportunities for Canada in a generation. Becoming an IRENA member will accelerate Canada's efforts to build a clean energy future that will bring new economic growth and thousands of new, well-paying jobs.
Amarjeet Sohi
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
We are delighted to welcome Canada as a new member of the IRENA family. Canada has vast renewable energy resource potential and long-standing experience in low-carbon development that it can share through international cooperation. We look forward to working with the Canadian government as well as the private sector and research institutions to advance energy transformation. Canada's membership firmly underscores the leadership it can demonstrate in renewable energy technology, sustainable development and global energy decarbonization.
Adnan Z. Amin
Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency
