Prime Minister Justin Trudeau poses for a picture at the Calgary Stampede on Friday, July 7, 2023. (Photo: The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Smith urges Trudeau to see Alberta’s perspective of emissions targets; calls for end to B.C. port strike

Jul 9, 2023 | 9:21 AM

CALGARY, AB – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrapped up a two-day trip to Alberta on Saturday, attempting to flip pancakes at the Calgary Stampede and meeting with the Ismaili Muslim community, but not before sitting down for a critical meeting with Premier Danielle Smith.

The pair met Friday, with both seemingly optimistic that common ground can be found on emissions-reduction targets.

They ultimately agreed that the federal and Alberta governments will form a working group that would find ways to move forward on emission reduction.

Both Canada and Alberta are aiming to be net-zero by 2050, but the federal government has set multiple earlier targets along the way.

Smith said some of those targets are unachievable, and that, “Alberta has sovereign and exclusive constitutional jurisdiction” to regulate its energy and electricity industries.”

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Smith admits the bilateral agreement to work together is positive news, noting that the collaboration would work to develop a regulatory framework for the construction and use of small modular reactor technology in Alberta and to secure credit for carbon reduction through increased LNG exports to international markets.

Smith notes that Article 6 of the Paris Accord allows for jurisdictions to receive credit for reducing emissions in other countries.

“They (the federal government) continue to set targets for a 42 per cent reduction in energy sector emissions by 2030 and a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. Both of these targets are unachievable, will drive billions of investment out of Alberta, massively increase electricity costs and result in the loss of tens of thousands of Alberta jobs,” said Smith.

“We also understand the federal government is set to release its draft so-called ‘clean electricity’ regulations (CER) for feedback in the coming weeks, and which do not initially include a carve-out for provinces like Alberta, which needs more time to transition to a carbon-neutral power grid due to our reliance on natural gas-fired electricity generation.”

Smith claims Alberta has borne a significant cost in replacing coal-fired electricity generation with natural gas seven years ahead of schedule, for which ratepayers have paid billions, she said.

Smith added, “We have asked the federal government to come to the table in good faith and to assess the realities of our power grid and the true magnitude of being the fifth-largest producer of oil and gas in the world.”

“If Ottawa does not recognize and support Alberta’s exclusive right to regulate these sectors of our economy, our province will have no choice but to use alternative policy options to protect our rights independent of federal interference,” said Smith. “Failing to reach an agreement on these matters would be an unprecedented missed opportunity that would cost our country tens of billions in economic investment and countless jobs

In a bulletin from the Prime Minister’s office (PMO), it is noted that the two also discussed the ongoing and now week-long port strike in British Columbia.

B.C. Port Strike

“The two leaders … reaffirmed their commitment to finding a resolution,” the PMO says.

Smith issued a statement on that matter Saturday morning, saying she has sent a letter to Trudeau about the economic impacts the strike is inflicting on Alberta.

Smith said, “While we respect the collective bargaining process, we are very concerned about the effects of a prolonged work stoppage on Albertans and Canadians as they deal with serious inflationary pressures.”

“The stoppage of trade at the ports will have significant negative economic consequences that undermine both Alberta’s and Canada’s competitiveness and reputation as a reliable supplier to international customers,” the premier states.

It is estimated the strike has disrupted $4.6 billion of cargo already, according to the Canadian Press.

An estimated $500 million worth of cargo, such as agri-foods, potash and forest products, are shipped via the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert daily, Smith notes.

On Friday, Trudeau said the federal government will continue putting pressure on both sides to reach a new pact.

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