Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reaffirmed her province’s dedication to achieving a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 during a parliamentary committee meeting on Thursday, where members of parliament are examining Canada’s emissions reduction strategy for the upcoming decade.
The virtual session witnessed tense interactions as Bloc Quebecois MP Patrick Bonin persistently pressed Smith on her beliefs regarding climate change. Smith implied that as a Quebecer, Bonin might not fully comprehend the significance of one of Canada’s key industries.
Despite Bonin’s repeated inquiries about Smith’s views on climate change and human-induced warming, Smith initially evaded direct responses by shifting the discussion towards forestry practices and Alberta’s emission reduction plan for 2050. The exchange escalated with both parties talking over each other until the Liberal chair intervened to restore order.
Finally, Bonin succeeded in eliciting a direct response from Smith when he demanded a simple “yes or no” about whether she acknowledges climate warming. Smith responded with a “yes,” acknowledging human contributions to climate change but refraining from labeling it as the primary driver.
She emphasized the need to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while acknowledging her lack of expertise to determine the primary factor driving climate change. Smith later challenged Bonin’s understanding of the oil industry amid discussions about Alberta’s plan to double oil and gas production and its impact on the 2050 net-zero goal.
Canada has committed to reducing emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, with recent signals indicating a shift towards a net-zero target in the next 25 years. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to unveil a new climate competitiveness strategy during the upcoming budget presentation on Nov. 4, prioritizing economic outcomes over emission targets.
During the committee hearing, Smith cautioned about energy investments flowing out of Canada to the U.S. due to regulatory constraints, citing policies like emissions caps and bans on oil tankers. She highlighted the need for regulatory certainty to attract investments back to Canada.
Furthermore, discussions at a Canada 2020 conference emphasized the competitive challenges faced by Canadian energy companies compared to their U.S. and Mexico counterparts. The government’s Building Canada Act aims to address regulatory hurdles through expedited approvals for projects deemed in the national interest.
While Conservative MPs support the act, some argue for a more comprehensive overhaul of regulations hindering project development. Industry representatives advocate for broader application of the legislation to accelerate energy project approvals and construction, enhancing investor confidence and project implementation.