Canada is doing a good job of monitoring developments and providing commodity information to market players - a legitimate government role. An increasing fraction of gas trade is authorised under short-term orders. In view of the open and competitive nature of the North American oil and gas market, easing export licences in favour of a reporting procedure for monitoring purposes should be considered. In addition, the use of incentive regulation should be broadened to help improve economic efficiency. Canada has a wide range of energy efficiency programmes that have been targeted on areas where significant potential energy savings exist.
Voluntary programmes are a primary focus in all sectors.
Information programmes and persuasion activities are also emphasised. Through its energy efficiency programmes, the Federal Government has forged stronger planning frameworks and information links with the provinces and other strategic allies, clarified its statutory authority and improved its data-gathering and analysis capabilities. Co-ordination of federal and provincial programmes has improved. Given the large number of these programmes, co-ordination efforts should continue to be strengthened to further leverage programme initiatives. Electricity, often through large, vertically integrated Crown utilities, has played an important role in contributing to Canada's energy supply, industrial development and in satisfying consumer demands.