Critics pan Alberta's proposal for oil company royalty breaks

A new pilot project that would see the province give energy companies tax breaks for cleaning up after themselves is being widely panned.

A new pilot project that would see the province give energy companies tax breaks for cleaning up after themselves is being widely panned.

The program would grant oil and gas businesses royalty benefits if they complete old well site maintenance – something that's already legally required.

Environmental and economic experts call it a bad idea.

So do many Alberta politicians.

"We have a principle of polluter pay," NDP Leader Rachel Notley said.

"We do not give people bonuses for cleaning up after themselves."

But that's what Danielle Smith is proposing.