Alberta and Saskatchewan React to Ottawa's Oil and Gas Cap Announcement

Reaction of Alberta and Saskatchewan to Ottawa’s Announcement of Oil and Gas Cap

December 7, 2023 TruthUSA

Following the federal government’s announcement of a regulatory framework to cap oil and gas emissions by 35 to 38 percent below 2019 levels, the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have indicated they will fight back against the policy and protect their “constitutional right” to develop their own energy sectors.

“The recent announcement on what they are calling an emissions cap, but today’s announced de facto production cap on Alberta’s oil and gas sector amounts to an intentional attack by the federal government on the economy of Alberta and the financial well-being of millions of Albertans and Canadians,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said during a press conference shortly after the Dec. 7 announcement.

“Over the coming months, our cabinet and our caucus will develop constitutional shields in response to this and other recent attacks on our province, by what is fast becoming one of the most damaging federal administrations in Canadian history.”

During the announcement, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said the oil and gas cap is an “important part of Canada achieving its goal of a 40 to 45 percent reduction across the economy by 2030.”

While the oil and gas gap will be at 35 to 38 percent below 2019 levels, the sector will also be able to buy a limited number of carbon offset credits or contribute to a decarbonization fund, lowering the requirement to 20 to 23 percent.

Ms. Smith said Alberta would continue to use investments in emissions-reducing technologies and “practical emission offsets” to implement its own emissions reduction and energy development plan to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.