As one of the world’s oil and gas powerhouses, Alberta regularly struggles with one question: Should the province diversify its economy away from fossil fuels?
Ottawa’s ‘Just Transition’ a Wild Card in Alberta Election
A plan by the federal government to transition the country to a low-carbon economy has exploded into a major election issue in Alberta, stoking fears Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are plotting to shut down the province’s oil and gas sector.
Both Alberta UCP Premier Danielle Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley have condemned the plan, laid out in a briefing document for federal ministers. Federal legislation is anticipated in early 2023.
A proposal by Danielle Smith’s UCP government to offer royalty credits to accelerate the clean-up of inactive oil and gas wells has fired up a long-standing debate over who should pay. The province recently announced the Liability Management Incentive Program, which would provide $100 million in royalty credits to companies that speed up the reclamation of inactive wells. The government is consulting with stakeholders to get more input before moving ahead.
