Mark Carney’s pact with Danielle Smith is climate carnage

Quick Overview

The main outcome is that the political maneuvering by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, exemplified by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the federal government to remove environmental regulations and secure massive tax credits for LNG and AI projects, is criticized as a political capitulation that benefits the fossil fuel industry at the expense of climate action, particularly concerning the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

Key Points: Danielle Smith's government signed an MOU with the federal government to remove environmental protections and secure tax credits for LNG and AI projects, which the host calls a concession to the fossil fuel industry. The MOU exempts new oil projects from regulations that would hinder increased oil production, including the removal of the federal carbon tax for those specific emissions. The federal government previously committed to a $170/tonne carbon price by 2030, but the current framework allows for a significant carve-out for heavy oil and LNG projects, effectively weakening climate commitments. The opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which was cancelled and then revived, is highlighted, showing that the current government's actions contradict previous climate goals. The speaker notes that the political climate in Canada, particularly in Alberta and BC, shows a majority of people support climate action, making the government's moves politically risky. The speaker highlights that Alberta's climate goals are now dependent on the success of LNG and carbon capture, which are seen as risky long-term bets. The speaker points out that federal policies, such as the federal carbon price, are significantly lower than what would be necessary to meet climate targets, suggesting a lack of seriousness from the government.

Context: This video segment from "The Breach Show," hosted by journalist and author Desmond Cole, features an interview with Seth Klein, an author and analyst at BC Policy Solutions. The discussion centers on the recent political actions taken by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the federal government regarding climate policy, specifically focusing on an MOU that grants concessions to the oil and gas industry, particularly concerning the Trans Mountain pipeline and new LNG/AI infrastructure, despite growing public support for stricter climate action.