Most participants in federal focus groups supported a proposed emissions cap on Canada’s oil and gas sector, particularly in Ontario and Québec, according to in-house research by the Privy Council Office.Blacklock's Reporter says Canadians told researchers that energy companies should face “clear consequences” if they exceed greenhouse gas limits. Many also welcomed the idea of tying the cap to economic growth in clean energy industries.“Participants were mostly positive in their reaction to this initiative with a number believing any action to reduce carbon emissions represented a step in the right direction,” said the report, Continuous Qualitative Data Collection Of Canadians’ Views. “Many felt it was important for the Government of Canada to be focused on creating jobs and other economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.”.Some questioned what penalties would be imposed on companies that go over the limit, but many respondents felt it was time major polluters were held accountable through binding federal regulations.The proposed cap would reduce emissions by 27% from projected 2026 levels. A federal cost-benefit analysis released last November estimated the policy would cost $3.3 billion and result in the loss of about 3,400 jobs. “These costs are assumed to be borne by Canadians,” said the report..Focus group research was conducted by The Strategic Counsel under a $1.6 million contract. The findings, dated January 20, showed few respondents were initially aware of the emissions cap plan. However, once briefed, most expressed strong support.Participants were told the system would place limits on industry emissions while allowing companies to trade credits, encourage spending in technologies like carbon capture, and create clean energy jobs.“It was largely felt the absence of an emissions cap in the past had allowed oil and gas companies to produce excessive amounts of greenhouse pollution and that this had served to significantly accelerate the impacts of climate change in recent decades,” wrote researchers.
