The Alberta government continues to fight the federal government’s proposed oil and gas emissions cap. Premier Danielle Smith and her cabinet argue the cap would devastate Alberta’s economy and violate provincial jurisdiction over natural resources.
“We will continue to defend our province from Ottawa’s senseless and direct attack,” stressed Smith. “Our motion protects Albertans’ jobs and livelihoods, puts Ottawa back in their place, and ensures we can continue to support global energy security with Alberta oil and gas for decades to come.”
On Nov. 4, Ottawa introduced draft regulations for the emissions cap, despite significant pushback. Meanwhile, multiple studies forecast dire consequences, including job losses and reduced oil production.
Independent analyses by the Conference Board of Canada, Deloitte, and S&P Global, warn the cap could cut production by one million barrels per day by 2030. The result would be an estimated loss of 150,000 jobs across Canada and a $419 monthly reduction in disposable income for the average family.
In response, the Alberta government plans to introduce a motion under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act. Additionally, the resolution seeks legislative approval to counter the federal cap with robust measures.
“The resolution appears to aim to protect Albertans’ jobs, ensure economic stability, and uphold provincial jurisdiction over natural resources,” said Rebecca Shultz, minister of municipal affairs.
If passed, the motion will authorize several proactive actions, including an immediate constitutional challenge to the federal regulations. However, additional measures include prohibiting federal enforcement of the cap within Alberta and strengthening protections under the province’s Critical Infrastructure Defence Act.
Specific provisions in the motion include:
- Declaring oil and gas facilities as essential infrastructure under provincial law.
- Restricting access to production sites to provincial authorities and industry stakeholders.
- Treating emissions data as proprietary information, under Alberta’s exclusive control.
- Expanding royalty-in-kind programs to enhance provincial revenue.
- Doubling pipeline capacity through collaboration with other provinces, First Nations, and U.S. partners.
“This cap is not actually about emissions. This is about the federal government wanting to cut oil and gas production and control our energy sector, even if it costs thousands of jobs and hurts Canadians from coast to coast,” Schulz explained.
“We are standing up for our province and protecting Albertans from this extreme federal overreach.”
The proposed measures aim to maintain Alberta’s energy production while ensuring compliance with provincial jurisdiction. Moreover, the government also intends to work with industry to meet global energy demand responsibly.
Alberta’s response underscores its long-standing opposition to federal interference in resource management.
The debate over the emissions cap highlights ongoing tensions between Alberta and the federal government. With the proposed legislation, Alberta seeks to safeguard its economy, jobs, and role in global energy security.
Read More: Smith blasts Ottawa’s emissions cap
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