New Research Shows Place-Based Climate and Energy Action Creates Lasting Co-Benefits Across Canada

Press Release

February 17, 2026 — QUEST Canada has released the final report of its Motivating Net-Zero Action in Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities (MNZA) research project, offering new evidence that community-driven, place-based climate and energy approaches deliver multiple, interconnected benefits—strengthening local economies, improving well-being, enhancing resilience, and advancing Canada’s net-zero goals.

Drawing on applied research conducted in partnership with 15 rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada, the report highlights how climate and energy action is shaped by local systems, governance, and lived experience. The findings show that communities consistently emphasize the importance of designing climate and energy initiatives with local leadership from the outset to better reflect community priorities, strengthen local capacity and resilience, and deliver economic, social, and environmental co-benefits—outcomes they see as essential to Canada’s long-term energy security and prosperity.

“This research shows that climate and energy action is most effective when it starts from the realities of place. Communities understand how energy, housing, transportation, food systems, and well-being are connected in their daily lives. When that local knowledge shapes planning and investment, climate and energy initiatives are better positioned to deliver multiple benefits—strengthening resilience, equity, and long-term outcomes.”

Gemma Pinchin

Senior Lead, Research and Projects, QUEST Canada

The report identifies five interconnected themes shaping net-zero pathways in rural, remote, and Indigenous contexts: sustainable systems and infrastructure; environment, land, and climate resilience; governance, policy, and partnerships; knowledge, culture, and capacity; and community, equity, and well-being. Across these themes, participants emphasized that energy, housing, transportation, food systems, and local economies are inseparable—and that progress is strongest when solutions deliver multiple benefits at once.

Communities also identified persistent structural barriers, including limited local capacity, inaccessible funding models, aging infrastructure, and complex jurisdictional processes. Despite these challenges, many are advancing locally grounded solutions rooted in stewardship, collaboration, and self-determination. These solutions strengthen local economies, enhance resilience, and improve social outcomes, while also contributing to Canada’s environmental and net-zero goals.

“Canada is at a defining moment for energy and climate action. This research shows that when rural, remote, and Indigenous communities are supported with long-term funding, strong governance, and meaningful partnerships, they can lead solutions that strengthen economic security, advance self-determination, and improve community well-being. Aligning federal systems with community realities is essential to building infrastructure and energy systems that deliver lasting benefits—for communities and for the country as a whole.”

Tonja Leach

Executive Director, QUEST Canada

Building on these findings, QUEST Canada will release a complementary jurisdictional scan examining policies, programs, and enabling conditions across Canada that support effective, community-led climate and energy action. Together, these resources provide both evidence and practical guidance for advancing locally driven climate and energy action across rural, remote, and Indigenous contexts.

QUEST Canada’s MNZA research underscores that a just and effective energy transition depends on sustained partnerships, flexible funding, and governance models that reflect the realities of place. As Canada builds the next generation of energy and infrastructure projects, place-based approaches will be critical to ensuring those investments deliver lasting value for people, economies, and the environment.

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Download the final report

Learn more about the MNZA project

About QUEST Canada

QUEST Canada is a registered Canadian charity that supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net-zero. Since 2007, we’ve been facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs and maximize local opportunities. With the goal of encouraging, assisting and enabling communities to contribute to Canada’s net-zero goals, we develop tools and resources, convene stakeholders and rights holders, and advise decision-makers.

Media Contact

To set up an interview, please contact:

Melissa Schweyer,
Manager, Strategic Growth & Communications

t: 866-494-2770 ext. 704
e: mschweyer@questcanada.org

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