Canadian energy policy is defined by three primary themes. First, the tension between federal and provincial jurisdictions over energy development and energy transmission. Provinces have control over the development of their energy resources, while interprovincial transport and offshore development are federally regulated, creating interregional tensions over market access. Secondly, regional resource endowments led to disparity in economic development, and federal policies that benefited some regions at the expense of others, furthering interregional tensions. Thirdly, the proximity of the United States as a primary export market has influenced interprovincial cooperation and coordination in energy policy. These three themes will be explored in describing the evolution of energy policy in Canada. Coupled with environmental concerns around energy development, energy policy in Canada has been, and continues to be, fraught with tension.