Carney’s Energy Plans Under Scrutiny as Alberta Premier Presses for Change

Carney's Energy Plans Under Scrutiny as Alberta Premier Presses for Change

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to unveil his plans on Tuesday, a move that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will be watching closely as she urges him to scrap Liberal policies that are hindering investment in the energy sector.

Key Issues Raised by Premier Smith

  • Repeal of the No More Pipelines Law: Smith argues that this repeal is essential for Canada to become an energy superpower.
  • Capping Oil and Gas Emissions: She believes this is a crucial step towards sustainable energy development.

During a meeting with Tim Hodgson, Carney’s point man on energy policy, Smith expressed frustration with the lack of commitment to these changes. Hodgson spoke at a breakfast event in Calgary, emphasizing the need for quick wins and fast-tracked projects in the national interest. He stated, "We’re going to make sure we get this done. We’re going to make sure we get it right."

Criticism of Government Promises

Critics argue that Hodgson’s remarks lacked substance and resembled previous promises made by Liberal politicians. Rebecca Schulz, the environment minister in Smith’s government, echoed these concerns, stating that she did not find "a lot of substance" in Hodgson’s comments.

Ongoing Tensions Between Ottawa and Alberta

The tension between Ottawa and Alberta over energy policies is expected to persist as Carney rolls out his plans. The two governments have been at odds over:

  • The pace of Canada’s transition away from fossil fuels.
  • The level of support for companies seeking new extraction methods.

Carney has promised more details about his plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oil production by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. However, specifics on how these reductions will be achieved remain unclear.

Carney’s Commitment to Collaboration

In an interview with CBC News, Carney stated he was working closely with provinces like Alberta but refrained from committing to specific measures. He was asked about the possibility of reaching an agreement before Christmas or the next federal budget deadline, but he did not provide a definitive answer.

Schulz’s Concerns on Funding and Clarity

Schulz welcomed recent announcements from Ottawa aimed at supporting oil producers, such as tax credits for carbon capture technology. However, she emphasized that "there needs not be much more" than what has already been announced to move forward collectively.

She criticized the "lack of clarity" regarding funding formulas for provinces transitioning away from fossil fuels, stating that it is impossible to plan without knowing their financial standing after years of declining revenues. Schulz remarked, “Without knowing where our revenue base is headed, I don’t know whether we can afford some things,” while also expressing optimism that “I do think we can afford some things.”

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