Greenpeace Report Exposes Shadow Oil Lobby Network in Canada
A covert network called Energy in Action is allegedly influencing Canadian energy policy.
1Covert Lobbying Network Revealed
Greenpeace investigators Abde Amr and Keith Stewart uncovered a clandestine network named Energy in Action. This group, linked to the oil industry, operates across Canada to influence national energy policy. The network was discovered while researchers were investigating Debunk, a media production company focused on energy narratives in the country.
2Digital Footprint and Exposure
The network's website, energy-in-action.com, was registered on April 29, 2025, shortly after new federal anti-greenwashing legislation took effect. While the site was password-protected, investigators accessed its content via the site's internal search tool. The portal has since been taken offline following the public release of the Greenpeace report.
3Think Tanks as Proxies
The network comprises roughly thirty members, including research groups and associations favoring fossil fuels. Experts note that using think tanks to disseminate industry-friendly research is a strategic move to bypass direct corporate messaging. Organizations like the Fraser Institute and the Montreal Economic Institute are identified as key participants in this ecosystem.
4Financial Ties and Transparency
The Montreal Economic Institute acknowledged receiving approximately 390,000 dollars from the oil sector in 2025, representing eight percent of its total funding. The organization maintains that this information is publicly available in its annual reports. They defend their stance as independent, claiming they do not accept any government subsidies for their operations.
5Historical Industry Tactics
Communication experts compare this strategy to historical tactics used by the tobacco and asbestos industries to challenge scientific consensus. By funneling messages through third-party entities, oil producers aim to reshape public discourse on climate policy. This approach allows companies to distance themselves from direct lobbying while maintaining a strong influence.
6Policy Influence and Pipelines
Energy in Action members actively promote narratives supporting fossil fuel expansion, including the construction of pipelines connecting eastern and western Canada. These groups frequently criticize existing climate policies in media outlets. The network appears to be a rebranded version of long-standing public communication programs previously managed by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
7Regulatory Environment and Climate
The rise of such networks coincides with a period where Canada faces criticism regarding its climate commitments. The Climate Action Tracker currently rates Canada's climate policy as very insufficient, noting a trend of dismantling environmental regulations. This shift mirrors broader North American political movements that prioritize fossil fuel sector interests over emissions.
8Implications for Future Policy
While these lobbying activities are not illegal, they highlight the significant resource disparity between the fossil fuel industry and green energy advocates. As Canada navigates its energy transition, the influence of these shadow networks remains a critical point of contention. Observers suggest monitoring how these third-party narratives impact upcoming federal legislative decisions.
Original article: La Presse — Greenpeace Report Exposes Shadow Oil Lobby Network in Canada