Former provincial legislator and minister Mike de Jong to help lead new B.C. renewable energy information and engagement initiative

Press Release

CanREA’s Wind & Solar BC will support informed, community-focused conversations about planned renewable energy projects across the province

Vancouver, December 4, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) today launched Wind & Solar BC, a new initiative that will provide clear and accessible information about upcoming renewable energy projects in British Columbia and create opportunities for residents, local governments and community organizations to engage in candid conversations about their impacts and benefits.

“Many British Columbia communities are excited about the thousands of jobs these clean power projects will create—and the economic activity they’ll bring,” said Patricia Lightburn, CanREA’s Director of Policy for British Columbia. “But others have legitimate questions about project impacts. We want to make certain that those who are looking for answers or for information on engagement opportunities can find what they need,” Lightburn added.

Renewable electricity is poised to play a critical role in powering British Columbia’s growing economy while helping keep rates predictable and affordable. In 2024, following a competitive process, BC Hydro signed agreements with a range of independent power producers and their First Nations partners. The agreements help set the stage for 10 new wind and solar projects, with additional contracts anticipated in the coming year.

Once complete, the planned projects would increase the province’s wind and solar power five-fold.

CanREA has appointed long-time B.C. legislator and former cabinet minister Mike de Jong as an ambassador for Wind & Solar BC.

“These projects represent a bold new chapter in our province’s natural resources story, and all British Columbians should feel a part of them,” said de Jong. “That said, we need to meet people where they are, treat them with respect, listen to their concerns, answer their questions and—especially in this age of misinformation—make sure they have the facts.”

In support of the Wind & Solar BC initiative, CanREA and its delivery partners, the Community Energy Association and Relay Education, will soon kick off a series of regional dialogues, local government meetings, educational workshops, and online and in-person community events.

“Progress on renewables starts in communities—with local values, people and businesses,” said Megan Lohmann, CEO of the Community Energy Association. “CEA is excited to bring together cross-sectoral leaders to build on the progress already made for made-in-B.C. clean energy and explore how the unique strengths and context of rural communities can accelerate innovation in the renewable energy sector.”

“Relay Education is a proud partner of CanREA in delivering the Wind & Solar BC initiative and is looking forward to providing educational workshops in B.C.,” said Ryan Gander, Relay Education’s B.C. workshop facilitator. “Learning about the science and technology of renewable energy helps people understand why renewables are a powerful climate solution.”

Several CanREA members, including Innergex Renewable Energy, RES Canada, BluEarth Renewables and EDF power solutions, are providing support for this initiative. For more information on these companies and the planned wind and solar projects in B.C., please see the backgrounder below.

Quotes

“Many British Columbia communities are excited about the thousands of jobs these clean power projects will create—and the economic activity they’ll bring. But others have legitimate questions about project impacts. We want to make certain that those who are looking for answers or for information on engagement opportunities can find what they need.”

—Patricia Lightburn, Director of Policy for British Columbia, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“These projects represent a bold new chapter in our province’s natural resources story, and all British Columbians should feel a part of them. That said, we need to meet people where they are, treat them with respect, listen to their concerns, answer their questions and—especially in this age of misinformation—make sure they have the facts.”

—Mike de Jong, Wind & Solar BC ambassador

“Progress on renewables starts in communities—with local values, people and businesses. CEA is excited to bring together cross-sectoral leaders to build on the progress already made for made-in-B.C. clean energy and explore how the unique strengths and context of rural communities can accelerate innovation in the renewable energy sector.”

—Megan Lohmann, CEO of the Community Energy Association (CEA)

“Relay Education is a proud partner of CanREA in delivering the Wind & Solar BC initiative and is looking forward to providing education for youth in B.C. Learning about the science and technology of renewable energy helps people understand why renewables are a powerful climate solution.”

—Ryan Gander, Relay Education’s B.C. workshop facilitator

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

Joshua Bleser, Manager of Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

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