Canada Powered by Women (CPW) has been working closely with our research partner, Leger, over the last few months to develop a new framework for measuring the perception of engaged women when it comes to energy policies in Canada: the Sound Energy Policy index (SEPI).
The SEPI scores energy policy on a scale of zero to 100, and right now it sits at just 45/100 — a failing grade.
This is based on six key perception measures drawn from CPW’s spring 2024 national research with Leger, which were chosen based on their statistical importance and relevance to ensure they effectively reflect the priorities of engaged women. These measures were then weighted and combined into an index score to provide clear and actionable insights for policymakers.
Perception measures
- Policy confidence: Trust the government energy decisions consider societal and individual impacts
- Personal alignment: Relevance of energy policies to women’s lives and families
- Balanced living: The balance of costs, environmental efforts, social safety and energy dependability
- Inclusivity: Whether women feel represented in energy policy decisions
- Environmental impact: How current energy sources contribute to environmental progress
- Energy costs: The affordability of daily energy use
“The current grade shown in the Sound Energy Policy Index highlights that current Canadian energy policies are falling significantly short of meeting the expectations of engaged women,” says Paige Schoenfeld, senior vice-president, Leger. “With a score of 45 out of 100, the results reveal a substantial disconnect between energy policies and the priorities, needs and values of this influential demographic.
“This underscores the need for more inclusive, balanced and relevant policy making to address their expectations and priorities for a sustainable and equitable future.”
Amplifying the voice of engaged women to government, policymakers and media
The SEPI is a powerful tool for engaged women to visualize the current state of energy policy and hold policymakers accountable, particularly as we head into provincial and federal elections.
“By identifying key areas where policies fall short — such as affordability, balance and environmental impact — SEPI provides actionable evidence for women to question, challenge and push for changes that align with their priorities,” says Schoenfeld.
For policymakers, the SEPI can be referenced to identify gaps in current energy policies and used to develop strategies that better align with engaged women’s expectations and priorities, particularly ahead of upcoming elections when addressing the concerns of this growing demographic will be critical.
For media outlets responsible for covering updates in upcoming provincial and federal election cycle and developments in the energy sector, the SEPI provides a data-driven narrative on the perspectives of engaged women, which can be used to inform stories around energy policy, gender representation and societal priorities.
The SEPI will be continually updated with the latest data from CPW’s national surveys, the next of which is scheduled for later this spring, to capture shifts in ratings and perspectives and provide an updated grade for engaged women, policymakers and media to consider.
“This index provides a unique and important lens through which to view energy policy in Canada, focusing on how it directly impacts women and their families,” says Schoenfeld. “It is essential that we continue to give this perspective life, as it has the potential to shape more inclusive, balanced and impactful energy policies for the future.”
To learn more about the Sound Energy Policy Index, visit canadapoweredbywomen.ca/sound-energy-policy-index.