Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean called the Canadian government’s proposed oil and gas emissions cap “a ticking time bomb set to explode Alberta’s economy and shatter our country’s prosperity.” Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s and Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault’s best efforts to brand the emissions cap positively, Jean said it is a job-crushing production cap that will hurt Canadian families, businesses, and the economy. “Make no mistake,” said Jean in a video. “Their intention is another step towards shutting down our energy industry, and it’s a violation of Canada’s constitution.”.Section 92A of the Canadian Constitution grants provinces exclusive jurisdiction of the development of non-renewable resources. However, the emissions cap demands a reduction of one million barrels of oil and gas per day by 2030. He said Trudeau “can’t ignore Canada’s constitution, and we’re ready to take our fight to the courts.” While the Canadian government is moving ahead with the emissions cap, he noted the evidence it eliminates jobs and prosperity is undeniable. Three independent firms have shown it would strike the Canadian economy hard. This is because it would eliminate 150,000 jobs and drain $14 billion annually from it. He pointed out this would mean $14 billion not going towards new schools, hospitals, bridges, and roads for a reckless scheme that would not reduce emissions. If the Canadian government wanted to make tweaks, he said they would not work. He called for the cap to be scrapped. Additionally, he said the Alberta government would not stand by as the Canadian government jeopardizes its prosperity, violates the Canadian Constitution, and downgrades the province’s standard of living. Instead, he said the Alberta government will stand up. It will stand up for Alberta’s jobs, families, and future. Jean concluded by saying the Canadian government cannot pull a fast one on the Alberta government. He said the Alberta government needs to scrap the cap and defend its rights. “And we will,” he said. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on December 3 by voting against the government’s motion to prohibit enforcement of the Canadian government’s oil and gas emissions cap, NDP leader Naheed Nenshi and his party “have put the political interests of their friend @JustinTrudeau and boss @theJagmeetSingh ahead of Albertans.”.UPDATED: Smith says Nenshi supporting Trudeau by opposing latest Sovereignty Act motion.Smith called Nenshi and the NDP “Trudeau’s choice of Alberta.”“Our UCP (United Conservative Party) government will never apologize nor give an inch when it comes to protecting the jobs and prosperity of Alberta families from Ottawa’s anti-energy agenda,” said Smith.
