The Canadian government has stated consistently that energy conservation Is the most effective way of dealing with the problem of dwindling non-renewable energy reserves. From the 1973 OPEC oil price Increase to 1980 a series of policy statements made by the federal government underscored this fact. However, while some efforts has been made in the area of energy conservation programs, they have not been on a scale in keeping with those projected as being necessary to meet the needs of the Canadian public. This paper seeks to examine and critique the Canadian experience.