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CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
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CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
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In this issue of By the Numbers, we examine energy outlooks and their important role in shaping our discussions about policy. We start by selecting three different scenarios from the Canada Energy Regulator’s ongoing Energy Futures series and compare these projections with the actual natural gas demand and production trends, as well as electricity demand. […]
In this issue of By the Numbers, we look at the important role storage plays in today’s energy systems, specifically the natural gas storage capacity in Canada and how it is critical to deliver reliable and stable energy supply. We will also look at the significant role that natural gas played during the cold weather […]
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Access to reliable and affordable energy is a basic requirement for the growth and success of rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Across Canada, there are many identified natural gas connection projects that could lower household energy costs, improve reliability, and support local economic development. However, under current provincial regulatory frameworks, these projects must generally be […]
Canada’s natural gas system offers affordable, reliable, and safe energy. This report looks at the main indicators for Canada’s natural gas market as we enter the 2025–26 winter heating season. A summary of these key indicators helps readers understand market fundamentals as colder months approach, furnaces are turned back on, and demand for natural gas […]
By Susanna Zagar, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association At a time of trade uncertainty, shifting global relationships and growing energy demand, Canada has an advantage few countries possess: abundant natural gas and the infrastructure to deliver it. As we look to strengthen our economic resilience and competitiveness, we need to make greater use of […]
At CERAWeek, the message was clear: energy security is national security, and countries that enable and optimize their reliable, affordable energy with resilient delivery systems, like natural gas infrastructure, will lead at home and in the new economy. CERAWeek may not be widely known outside the energy sector, but it should be. Now in its […]
At a pivotal moment for Canada’s energy future, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) has named Michele Harradence Chair of its Board of Directors. Michele’s appointment comes at a time when Canada is focused on strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth and meeting rising energy demand. Harradence leads Enbridge’s gas distribution and storage business, serving approximately […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New proposal highlights the natural gas opportunity to lower costs, support growth and strengthen energy security. As leaders from Indigenous Nations, government, industry, and finance gather for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition Conference, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is calling on the federal government to support a national effort to connect […]
To help advance the RNG marketplace, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) joined forces to create a Canadian Renewable Natural Gas Information Network, RNGinet.
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to bring you the latest issue of Blue Flame, fuel for thought about Canada’s gas energy industry. This publication is for government, industry and public stakeholders who wish to learn more about Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. (August 12, 2026)
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to bring you the latest issue of Blue Flame, fuel for thought about Canada’s gas energy industry. This publication is for government, industry and public stakeholders who wish to learn more about Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. (July 7, 2026)
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Did you know that Canada’s natural gas system dates back to even before the country’s Confederation?
It is true — Canada’s first transmission pipeline was built in 1853. The 25 kilometre pipeline was made of cast iron and moved natural gas — at the time, it was the longest pipeline in the world!1
Natural gas delivery has been around a long time in Canada, but its significant growth really occurred after the Second World War.
Distribution mains (the pipes under roads and between communities) were built with increased frequency over the middle decades of the 20th century, with construction peaking in the 1980s. More recently, we have seen new additions to the natural gas distribution system slow, as most large populated regions of the country are already connected to the gas network. Given the thousands of kilometres of mains and services pipelines installed over decades, it is not surprising that natural gas utilities are spending close to $3 billion each year to renew and extend their systems.
Bare steel and cast iron pipelines were more steadily constructed between the 1950s to 1980s to transport manufactured gas. As unprotected steel and cast iron are prone to corrosion and small leakages, they have been phased-out over time. Modern distribution systems no longer include cast iron, and steel pipelines are protected by specialized coatings and corrosion-prevention systems. Polyethylene (PE) is considered a very suitable pipeline construction material and has been used on an increasing basis over the years, including in higher pressure systems. The majority (71%) of the pipeline distribution system, both mains, and services, in Canada are comprised of high and medium-density PE. The Canadian Gas Association’s utility members no longer have cast iron pipelines and the switch to PE pipes has resulted in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. By way of example, from the 1990s to early 2012, Enbridge Gas replaced around 1,800 km of cast iron and coated steel pipelines, which led to a reduction of 145,000 tCO2e of fugitive methane emissions, annually.2
Figure 1: Historical Mains and Services pipeline additions for the gas distribution system
Figure 2: Distribution of pipeline materials for Canada’s natural gas distribution system
