Connor Taras

Background

About Connor Taras

I work on the development and implementation of energy systems in northern and remote communities across Canada, with a focus on reducing reliance on diesel.Across the Arctic and Canada’s North, many communities rely on diesel for heat and electricity. Addressing this is not only an environmental priority, but also a question of affordability, reliability, and long-term energy resilience in the North.My work involves supporting practical solutions that can be built, operated, and maintained in these contexts. I work with governments, utilities, researchers, and Indigenous community partners to translate technical work into solutions that can be built, operated, maintained, and owned by communities themselves, including through place-based training and capacity-building initiatives.A core part of this work is ensuring that solutions are community-led and reflect the realities of the regions they serve. In northern and remote contexts, energy is closely tied to cost of living, economic opportunity, and local capacity, as well as to broader questions of climate adaptation, energy security, and Canada’s long-term presence in the North.In 2025, I ran as the Ontario Liberal candidate in Toronto–Danforth. That experience strengthened my interest in public policy and reinforced the importance of connecting technical work with broader economic and community outcomes.Prior to this, I represented Canada as a Pan American Games silver medallist. That experience continues to shape how I approach my work, with a focus on discipline, consistency, and long-term results.