Michael Bernstein, President and CEO of Clean Prosperity, made the following statement:

“Yesterday’s energy investment agreement between Ottawa and Alberta represents continued progress in realizing the federal-Alberta grand bargain on climate and energy policy. 

“The agreement has the potential to help grow Canada’s economy, diversify our trade, and reduce emissions, all while contributing to national unity. 

“While this new agreement is another positive step forward, the decarbonization benefits from the federal-Alberta grand bargain still remain modest. Canada can and should pursue ambitious emissions reduction goals along with measures to strengthen our economy.    

Canada can and should pursue ambitious emissions reduction goals along with measures to strengthen our economy.    

Michael Bernstein, President and CEO, Clean Prosperity

“The federal and Alberta governments, along with the Oil Sands Alliance, should work together to increase the climate ambition of this evolving deal.        

“The recommitment to the Pathways project in yesterday’s announcement is encouraging. Clean Prosperity’s research shows that Canada’s oil sector can grow production and decarbonize at the same time, with benefits for the industry, Alberta, and Canada. For that reason, the oil sands companies — not taxpayers — should fill the remaining investment gap in the Pathways project.

“A new oil pipeline to tidewater will diversify Canada’s trading partners and help grow exports, public revenues, and employment. But pipelines should be built primarily through private sector investment, as agreed in last year’s federal-Alberta memorandum of understanding. The governments should fulfill their commitments to secure additional private investment in the new pipeline project.”   

_{Photo credit: LoggaWiggler from pixabay}