QUEST Canada’s Motivating Net-Zero Action in Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities (MNZA) research project explores the motivations, challenges, and energy opportunities low-density areas across Canada face as they transition to net-zero. 

When people imagine a net-zero energy future, they often think of urban centres. But with one in five Canadians living in rural communities, today’s urban-centric understanding of our energy transition leaves many communities underrepresented and overlooked.

If we want to ensure a just energy transition, this simply won’t do. 

To work towards an inclusive transition, QUEST Canada launched a three-year research project in cooperation with a pan-Canadian advisory committee, and 15 rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the country. 

As part of the research project, a literature review was published, emphasizing that rural, remote, and Indigenous communities encounter unique needs, challenges, and opportunities in their pursuit of net-zero goals.

Titled Motivating Net-Zero Action in Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities, the review offers new insights into how these communities can benefit from a solutions-focused approach while addressing their unique socio-economic needs. It identifies six key themes to consider when examining these communities as the transition to net-zero emissions: rural space use, rural needs, cost barriers, socio-economic impacts, decolonization and self-determination, and disconnection. Each theme is explored in depth and will continue to inform the ongoing research.

To complement the literature review, QUEST’s final research report will include findings from each participating community, who will contribute first-hand insight and data via surveys, interviews and workshops. In addition to a final report, QUEST will also develop a jurisdictional scan to encourage and facilitate ongoing, community-level work towards a net-zero future.