“Today’s discussions with federal Ministers Jonathan Wilkinson and Dominic LeBlanc were very constructive, and although there is much more work to be done, I am hopeful today’s meeting is a positive step towards an eventual agreement between our governments that will secure billions in energy investment in Alberta while simultaneously and meaningfully reducing global emissions through technology, innovation and increased export of LNG to international markets.
“During today’s meeting, Alberta made clear our province wished to collaborate with the federal government on reaching a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, however, we told them we believed the federal government’s previously proposed oil and natural gas emissions cap and 2035 net-zero power grid regulations would damage the Alberta economy, cause significant job losses and scare away billions in investment dollars.
“I instead proposed the immediate establishment of a bilateral working group between the Canadian and Alberta governments for the purpose of completing work on a collaborative approach to incentivize carbon capture, utilization and storage and other emissions-reducing infrastructure for the oil and natural gas and electricity sectors, as well as to set reasonable and achievable milestones for emissions reductions in these sectors through to 2050.
“Our delegation also made clear the federal government must not unilaterally legislate any oil and natural gas emissions cap or electricity regulations impacting these areas of exclusive provincial jurisdiction without Alberta’s approval.
“While discussing this proposal, there was also constructive discussion regarding the need to work jointly to accelerate the development of the regulatory regime for small modular reactors, and to commence working together with British Columbia on a plan to increase export of LNG to international markets.
“The federal ministers committed to take Alberta’s working group proposal back to the federal government for a prompt response in the coming weeks.
“I look forward to hearing that response and continuing this critical negotiation and dialogue.”