Successful climate policy in Canada? Or it's unravelling?

Strong climate policy is essential for life on earth. The Cooperation Agreement between Alberta and Canada is seen as the emerging "foundation on which successful climate policy in Canada is built, or the beginning of its unravelling."

Please make it the longterm foundation for a livable future for all. Canada must do our part and not be climate laggards.

We have 6 points:

1. In general, rename the Industrial Carbon Tax:

The name "Carbon tax" is hated and fosters misinformation, and this isn't about the revenues but rather a livable future. We all understand the need for clean air especially since most of us have experienced wildfire smoke. Scrap the carbon tax name and offer instead as a clean air initiative for example. Let's face it, burning any fossil fuel pollutes the air, so focus on that to avoid fueling misinformation.

2. In general, reframe reducing fossil fuel consumption to focus on specific personal benefits, ie. clean air, cost savings, comfort, energy security (a big one with the Middle East volatility) etc.

Most of the public accepts that anthropogenic climate change is real but far fewer want to do anything about it. We shouldn't be fooled by the high % 's of the public agreeing that climate change is real and that something must be done. That often means "something must be done, but not by me." So switch to communicating benefits to garner support.

3. Establish an effective carbon price of $130 by 2030 and rename (above). This is the most important piece; carbon credits must be trading for at least $130 per tonne by 2030. A delay in reaching $130 means it will be harder for Canadian businesses to make the investments they need to cut emissions.

4. Any new rules in Alberta must not create unfairness for industry elsewhere in Canada

The MOU suggests Alberta is going to get a special deal on methane rules and a special deal on clean electricity, but that would be unfair for businesses across Canada. Companies should get broadly similar treatment across Canada – whether they’re fixing methane leaks at oil and gas wells, or trying to build lost-cost renewable energy projects. Alberta must show it will still achieve the same emissions outcomes, on the same time frames as the rest of the country, so companies can confidently plan.

5. Oil sands companies must immediately put money on the table for their Pathways Alliance carbon capture project

Industry has been talking about this project for years, and it’s time for them to make good on it. Pathways is not a silver bullet, but it’s an important tool to reduce oilsands emissions. Taxpayers will already be paying for two-thirds of it through very generous tax credits. These very profitable companies must now show their commitment by allocating the funds.

6. No taxpayer money for another pipeline

Either an oil pipeline is a good business idea, or it’s not. If it is a good idea, then the private sector should be happy to invest in it. If they won’t invest, then it’s a bad idea and taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to pay for it.”

3-6 are Must-Haves from Feb 17-26 Pembina Release (Calgary): “While there are definitely opportunities to reach an even better result, these four pieces are the difference between the MOU being the foundation on which successful climate policy in Canada is built, or the beginning of its unravelling.”

Please let Canada do our part for a safe and livable future.