Alberta minister says federal strings on electricity climate funding a 'threat'
CBC
Ottawa is threatening the provinces by suggesting it will withhold federal funding from electricity projects that don't reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says Alberta's minister of environment and protected areas.
"We see (Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan) Wilkinson saying it isn't his style to have fights and wanting to work with the provinces and have a national conversation," Rebecca Schulz said Tuesday.
"Announcing in a press conference a threat to withhold funding isn't really the right way to start a conversation."
Earlier Tuesday in Vancouver, Wilkinson said billions of dollars in tax credits and grants will be tied to progress toward Ottawa's target for a net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
"To access the tax credit will require that we are moving in the direction of a non-emitting grid," he said.
That's an ultimatum, said Schulz.
"Starting out from a position like that is not the way to enter a discussion in good faith."
Saskatchewan's minister for SaskPower, Don Morgan, said the federal position will increase electricity costs.
"By withholding the very funding meant to help provinces reach the Trudeau government's net-zero targets, Saskatchewan's customers will see a dramatic impact on their rates," he said in a statement.
Neither Saskatchewan nor Alberta say they can meet the 2035 goal, preferring to set it off until 2050.
Wilkinson said provinces will be afforded flexibility in how they achieve the earlier target.
"We are cognizant of the need for the regulations to provide sufficient flexibility," he said. "Every province and territory has different needs."
He said talks between Ottawa and the provinces have already begun, including with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Blake Schaffer, an energy economist at the University of Calgary, said much will depend on exemptions granted within the regulations, which are expected to be released this month. He said Canada's rules are expected to be similar to those in the United States.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a farewell message to Canadians Thursday as he marks his last full day in office.
The Association of Yukon Fire Chiefs says about 80 per cent of volunteer firefighters in the territory are wearing expired protective equipment, putting them in danger and in violation of occupational health and safety regulations when they respond to emergencies.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will be given a new portfolio in Mark Carney's cabinet, a source with knowledge of the decision told Radio-Canada.
The Alberta government has suspended a loan program at Picture Butte Feeder Cooperative, the province's largest cattle financing cooperative, after an inspection alleged a number of financial mismanagement and regulatory issues.
If you look up at the sky late, late Thursday in the Toronto area, there's a chance you'll be able to see a total lunar eclipse and what's called a blood moon.
When wintertime calls, go where it's warm.
Colby Leamon had lost a close family member, and was looking for a dog to provide emotional support.
The cost of a 24-pack of beer could increase $3 to $5 because of 25 per cent tariffs on aluminum exported to the United States, according to a craft brewery in northern Ontario.
Fire tore through a seafood processing plant in Cape John, N.S., on Wednesday night.
Another of New Brunswick's new municipal councils has become embroiled in drama and bitter conflict.
Tardiness is nothing new at Via Rail, but late arrivals are reaching historic levels in a key corridor since passenger trains have been forced to slow down at hundreds of rail crossings operated by CN Rail.
Walmart Canada will stop selling machetes — a type of weapon frequently used in violent crimes — in stores across the country, after Manitoba's government pressured the retailer to restrict online sales.
The parents of two 15-year-old girls at Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon say they went to police and the school multiple times between June and August 2024 with concerns about escalating online threats from the student now accused of setting one of the girls on fire in a school hallway.