In response to the federal government's discussion paper detailing plans for setting a cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector, two Alberta UCP MLAs say the province will continue to fight for its energy sector..“This discussion paper is yet another example of a lesson Ottawa refuses to learn — the only way to actually cut emissions and keep life affordable is to work with the provinces to create environmental policies that will actually work," said Minister of the Environment and Parks Whitney Issik and Minister of Energy Sonya Savage..The MLAs claimed in a statement released Monday that the province has "always taken responsible energy development seriously." That is why, according to the MLAs, it has taken action on climate change by investing in innovative technologies, regulating industries, and encouraging companies to adopt clean technology..“However, Alberta will not accept any plan from the federal government that seeks to interfere in our constitutionally protected ability to develop our resources," they said. "Provinces are the owners of these natural resources, which have been responsibly managed on behalf of Canadians for decades.".They noted in May 2022, the Court of Appeal of Alberta ruled that the Impact Assessment Act raises an issue of fundamental fairness. According to the MLAs, the justices determined that the federal government had "taken a wrecking ball" to the constitutional right of Albertans to have its natural resources developed for their benefit..Issik and Savage said the federal government cannot act unilaterally to meet their emissions targets.."The global energy crisis and skyrocketing cost of living are affecting all Canadians, particularly those who are most vulnerable," they said. "Rising energy prices are impacting business supply chains and the transportation sector, making life more expensive for Canadians – from putting gas in their cars to buying groceries to heating and cooling their homes.".The MLAs said the province of Alberta is "fully-prepared" to have productive discussions with the federal government on ways to reduce emissions. But they have not been given a chance, as Ottawa did not seek input from the province for the paper..“Alberta is a world leader in environmental performance and lowering emissions. The world will continue to use oil and gas, and that energy must come from jurisdictions like Alberta, not Russia," they said.."We will review this paper, but Alberta’s position is clear — we will only support practical solutions, developed through meaningful consultation, that keep life affordable for Canadians.”
