Document Type
Article
Publication Date
January 2022
Journal
Journal of Canadian Studies
Abstract
Women are a minority in the energy sector everywhere in the world—and Canada is no exception. Concerns about climate change and fossil fuel insecurity have ensured significant interest in Canadain the technologies and financing for transitioning to clean energy, but far too little attention is being paidto the employment equity implications of such a transition. Despite growing awareness that renewableslike wind, solar, and bioenergy generate a much larger volume of employment than fossil fuels, evenorganizations committed to advocating for social justice in debates about environmental sustainabilityin Canada have never specifically mentioned gender inequity. This article identifies opportunities andconstraints for women’s employment in the renewable and clean energy sector in Canada. Broad findingsfrom this research suggest that women can gain optimal traction from clean energy initiatives only if thereare wider socially progressive policies in place. Since women’s ability to take advantage of new energyrelated employment options is often constrained by social barriers that limit their access to certain typesof education, training, and employment, it is crucial social equity policies go beyond energy sector planning to optimize economic opportunities for women. The conversation about gender equity in Canada’sgreen economy is currently incipient and tokenistic. Raising awareness is therefore urgent and critical.