Dear John,

My name is Elmira Aliakbari, Director of Natural Resource Studies at the Fraser Institute.

In 2025, our research uncovered serious challenges. These challenges are not just numbers on a page, they represent real problems affecting the everyday lives and financial well-being of Canadian families.

First, energy costs continue to climb.

A March study shows that the average Canadian household is now spending a significant portion of their budget on electricity, home heating, and transportation fuels. These high costs hit lower- and middle-income families the hardest.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

One of the most important studies we released this year looked at the enormous potential of Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

Our research demonstrates that exporting LNG to Asia could significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by replacing coal-fired power generation – a practical, achievable climate solution.

Canada has the resources, the technology, and the environmental standards to do this responsibly. What we lack is the political will and regulatory predictability to get projects built.

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We also published our annual global survey of mining companies, which highlighted the declining competitiveness of various Canadian jurisdictions. Despite our rich mineral resources – resources the world needs for everything from electric vehicles to clean technologies – investors continue to view our permitting processes as slow, unpredictable, and increasingly costly.

This hurts workers, reduces investment, and pushes opportunity out of Canada.

And just a few weeks ago, our research on the “green economy” revealed what many Canadians already sense: despite tens of billions of dollars in government spending, the green sector has failed to deliver the jobs and economic growth that Canadians were promised.

After a decade of subsidies, regulations, and ambitious targets, results remain modest while costs continue to mount.

The good news?

Canadians are paying attention.

This year, our research was featured in media outlets across the country – on television, radio, major newspapers, and online. Millions of Canadians saw this work on social media, and policymakers at every level of government engaged directly with our findings.

Our work is shaping conversations, challenging assumptions, and pushing for practical solutions grounded in evidence.

John, this is why our work matters. Canadians deserve facts and practical solutions, not slogans and political posturing.

And we can only continue this work with your support.

The Fraser Institute accepts no government funding. Every study we produce is funded by Canadians who believe in independent research and sound public policy.

If you are able, please consider making a year-end donation today. Your contribution helps us reach more Canadians.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Elmira Aliakbari
Director, Natural Resource Studies 
The Fraser Institute

PS: Your donation entitles you to a generous tax deduction at tax time!