Alberta’s government is providing $45 million to power new hydrogen technologies that will reduce emissions and create jobs.
Hydrogen is expected to be a $2.5-trillion to $11-trillion industry worldwide by 2050, and Alberta is ready to emerge as a leader in that global market. As Canada’s largest hydrogen producer, Alberta can produce some of the lowest-cost clean hydrogen in the world.
Alberta has created a Hydrogen Roadmap, an Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, and a Natural Gas Strategy to recognize the importance of growing the provincial hydrogen economy while cutting emissions and accessing global markets.
As part of this work and through Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence and Emissions Reduction Alberta, Alberta’s government will launch two hydrogen funding competitions using the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund.
“Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and, as we are already a leader in this field, this competition will explore and advance clean hydrogen technologies while generating fresh, exciting new projects and ideas.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
The new funding will drive cutting-edge and first-of-their-kind hydrogen technologies to be used in production, transmission and distribution, storage, and in industries like heavy-duty transportation, industrial heat and chemicals. It will explore innovative technologies rather than what is currently commercially available.
“Hydrogen is a vital technology in the path towards a low-carbon future. The Government of Canada is pleased to collaborate with partners like the Government of Alberta to launch this competition that supports further innovation in the hydrogen sector. Technologies like this are helping to create good jobs across Canada as we build a strong and prosperous economy.”
Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Watch the press conference.
The two parallel competitions are open to a wide range of applicants, including technology developers, industry and industry associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and municipalities.
“The hydrogen economy is the next frontier for Alberta. The province is the largest producer of hydrogen and has the people, resources and infrastructure in place to move us into the new economy. Partnerships like this allow for producers, innovators and industry to come together and test their hydrogen ideas. Ultimately this will help Alberta capitalize on new innovation opportunities that generate benefits beyond the energy value chain.”
Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates
“This targeted and coordinated effort between Emissions Reduction Alberta and Alberta Innovates with funding from the Government of Alberta is required to ensure a healthy pipeline of hydrogen technologies across the value chain are supported.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
Applications for both funding streams are now open. Applications close at 5 p.m. MDT on Sept. 22 for the Emissions Reduction Alberta competition and at 5 p.m. MDT on Sept. 26 for the Alberta Innovates competition. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
To simplify the process, applicants can submit a single proposal to apply for two funding streams:
$20 million is available through Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence for early- stage innovations. Natural Resources Canada is also providing another $5 million to Alberta Innovates through its Energy Innovation Program.
$25 million is available through Emissions Reduction Alberta for later-stage technologies.
Quick facts
Alberta Innovates is a research and innovation agency working to move Alberta to a lower-carbon future, promote the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.
Through the TIER program, the Government of Alberta invests revenues from the industrial carbon price to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions.
As part of implementing the new Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, Emissions Reduction Alberta received $25 million in TIER funding in 2023 to support investments in hydrogen development and the hydrogen value chain.
To date, Emissions Reduction Alberta has invested more than $60 million from the TIER fund into hydrogen technologies across the value chain, including a net-zero production complex, hydrogen-powered transit buses, and Canadian Pacific’s hydrogen locomotive – North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive using fuel cells and batteries for power.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is responding to concerns about electricity projects to ensure future growth is balanced with responsible development.
Alberta is Canada’s leader in renewables projects and investments and Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that the right processes are in place to support continued investment.
It is critical that Albertans can continue to rely on regular safe and reliable operations of the grid.
Starting Aug. 3, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.
“We are proud of our leadership in responsible renewable energy development and we are committed to its continued growth. This approach will provide future renewable investments with the certainty and clarity required for long-term development.”
Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
This approach is in direct response to a letter received from the AUC and concerns raised from municipalities and landowners related to responsible land use and the rapid pace of renewables development. At the end of this process, future renewable projects will be able to move forward at a pace that is conducive to business while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship and preserving Alberta’s reliable electricity supply.
Throughout the process, Albertans will still be able to install renewable energy products in their homes and communities will be unaffected by this process.
“Participants in our public hearings have increasingly raised concerns about the impacts and pace of renewable generation development. We are pleased to support the government in canvassing relevant issues for its development of policy to ensure the economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta.”
Carolyn Dahl Rees, chair, Alberta Utilities Commission
“RMA is pleased by this decision to develop a provincewide plan for how the industry can grow strategically and responsibly. Rural municipalities cover roughly 85 per cent of Alberta’s land and their voices must be included in the approval process for all renewable energy projects. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to create an approval process that balances provincial and local perspectives and positions Alberta as a leader in responsible renewable energy development.”
Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
The AUC inquiry will include reviewing the use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects, land reclamation and the role of municipal governments in land selection for project development and review.
More specifically, the inquiry will inform government policy decisions around the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta and will look at issues, including:
Development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural or environmental land.
The impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.
Mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.
Development of power plants on lands held by the Crown.
The impact of the increasing growth of renewables on Alberta’s generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.
Quick facts
The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that is responsible for the approval of Alberta’s electricity generation projects.
The Government of Alberta does not determine when or where electrical generation facilities are to be built.
The AUC is currently reviewing 15 renewable, thermal and energy storage projects.
All utility-scale renewable generation projects in Alberta are commercially developed on private land only and can only advance with the permission of private landowners.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta is investing more than $60 million into cutting-edge technologies that will reduce emissions and increase economic performance for industries across the province.
Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan sets the province’s course for cutting emissions, supporting jobs and strengthening the economy. As part of this plan, Alberta’s government is supporting clean technology and innovation to help reduce global emissions.
Through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge, Alberta will support 14 new projects using the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund. If all funded projects are successfully deployed, they will reduce a combined 700,000 tonnes of emissions by 2030 and create about 1,700 new jobs.
“This investment of over $60 million into 14 projects will reduce emissions and create almost 2,000 new jobs. When it comes to protecting the environment and growing the economy, Alberta leads the way through action, not talk.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
The TIER program helps industrial facilities, which account for more than half of Alberta’s total emissions, find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to save money and stay competitive. This funding will support innovation across a wide range of industrial sectors including heavy freight, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and energy.
The investment will help facilities with projects at various stages of development advance technologies to the next level. All 14 projects involve piloting, demonstration or deployment of technology within Alberta, which will help ensure Alberta is on the forefront of emerging technologies.
“This investment will help several of our industries demonstrate transformative technologies to get them to market faster. Funding innovation like this will continue to position Alberta at the forefront of clean tech innovation and as an industrial leader.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
“We value the Alberta government’s support through TIER, bitumen beyond combustion and Emissions Reduction Alberta programs. Together we can turn Alberta’s bitumen resources into feedstock for manufacturing the next generation of energy storage devices and achieve another made-in-Alberta success.”
Dr. Yanguang Yuan “YY”, CEO and director, AdvEn Inc.
“Emissions Reduction Alberta’s support for our carbon capture and storage project is an important example of how TIER funding is helping scale emissions-reducing technology from design to deployment. The Government of Alberta is helping move us all closer to achieving shared emissions-reduction goals.”
Connie De Ciancio, vice-president, corporate, Strathcona Resources Ltd.
“Government of Alberta funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta is critical to fulfilling our objective of addressing soil health to meet consumer demand for healthy, nutritional crops that are produced in a sustainable way. This project creates the opportunity to add value to Alberta’s agricultural sector, diversify our economy and directly impact global food security risks.”
Using Alberta’s bitumen to produce battery materials for electric vehicles, capturing carbon from natural gas-fired turbines used in oil sands facilities, and constructing a zero-waste, low-emissions fertilizer facility that improves soil health and creates agriculture jobs are some of the ways companies will use the funding.
Quick facts
Emissions Reduction Alberta has committed $910 million to 260 projects worth more than $7.3 billion that are estimated to cut 40 million tonnes of emissions by 2030.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Premiers of Canada’s Western provinces and territories met in Whistler for the Western Premiers’ Conference to discuss approaches to diversify and strengthen their shared economy, and opportunities to build future prosperity.
Premiers discussed the ongoing wildfire crisis and the serious threat catastrophic weather events pose to communities, the economy and critical infrastructure. They will continue to work together, and with the federal government, to support communities and ensure adequate resources are available to keep people safe and reduce threats to homes and livelihoods.
Western Premiers had productive discussions on many shared priorities including: strategic infrastructure and corridors; climate action and sustainable development; energy security; immigration; labour markets and mobility; Arctic security and sovereignty; and community safety.
Action is required to address the challenges facing Western Canadians. They expect governments to take fair, respectful and constructive steps to improve affordability and position Canada for economic renewal and prosperity. This includes addressing critical fiscal and infrastructure challenges in the North.
Western Premiers noted Canadians are best served when the uniqueness of each province and territory is recognized. The federal government must respect provincial and territorial jurisdiction, and federal action must complement regional and local priorities.
Strategic Infrastructure and Corridors
Western Premiers are committed to working together to create and improve strategic infrastructure and have agreed to identify opportunities to enhance trade corridors to help increase the flow of vital goods across the country and to international markets. Nation-building infrastructure, such as ports, roads, airports, telecommunications, energy and digital and community infrastructure, is essential to economic growth and connecting people and communities. Reliable corridors and efficient port operations support global food and energy security while providing economic security for Canadian families. Improved efficiency will help address the ongoing affordability crisis as well as advance Canada’s strategic interests including Arctic security and sovereignty.
The federal government must collaborate with provinces and territories on future infrastructure needs. It must also improve project approval timelines while reducing red tape to address ongoing project delays. Communities are experiencing unprecedented inflationary pressures and cost overruns on existing projects due to supply chain issues and input costs. Provinces and territories are urgently seeking details on how these pressures will be addressed and what replacement for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) will be forthcoming. On June 15, Canada’s Premiers wrote to the Prime Minister to reiterate provinces’ and territories’ shared priorities on infrastructure funding and policy in the absence of federal direction on a program to replace the ICIP. Western Premiers call on the federal government to respect the principles for the next phase of federal infrastructure funding that were articulated in that letter.
Climate Action and Sustainable Development
Global action is critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provinces and territories have taken and continue to take actions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Addressing climate change requires collaborative action on adaptation and mitigation strategies. Provinces and territories will continue to adapt their strategies to address their local needs and priorities, as well as to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Western Premiers call on the federal government to engage with provinces and territories collectively and individually on supporting provincial and territorial adaptation and mitigation strategies and on timely, long-term funding sufficient to implement these strategies.
Geopolitical factors amplify the challenge and opportunity of a transition to lower-emissions energy sources and renewables. International cooperation, such as exporting low or zero emitting Canadian LNG, hydroelectricity, uranium and hydrogen can play a role in reducing global emissions. Premiers renew their call on the federal government to support emission credit trading across international borders and work with provinces and territories to finalize the rules under Article 6 to ensure they receive credit for reductions resulting from actions in their jurisdictions, as a means to support emissions targets.
Forthcoming Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) changes by the federal government must be advanced in close collaboration with provinces and territories, and not shift risk and costs to provinces, territories and municipalities. The renewed DFAA should be accessible, efficient and flexible so that it supports Western Canadian communities affected by disasters.
Energy Security
Canada has an important role to play in global energy security, including through the provision of traditional energy sources, such as oil and gas, LNG, uranium and hydroelectricity, and emerging technologies and solutions such as hydrogen and renewable fuels.
Canadian energy products need to get to Canadians and to international markets. The energy sector will continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies in search of new low to zero-emitting fuel sources. The federal government must respect the jurisdiction of provinces and territories, and work with them to reduce emissions while they continue to develop existing and future energy sources. Significantly increased federal investment is needed in Western provinces and territories, commensurate with investments elsewhere in the country.
Western Premiers call on the federal government to work with them to secure international and domestic market access and to invest in the energy and electricity infrastructure needed to realize the region’s economic potential, including accelerating support for generation and transmission infrastructure. Premiers expressed concern that the federal Clean Electricity Regulations are unattainable and unaffordable for some jurisdictions given current technologies and timelines.
Western Canada has the opportunity to become a reliable source and supplier of critical minerals and rare earth elements for Canada and its international partners. Western Canadians are already benefiting from development of copper, nickel, zinc, uranium, potash, molybdenum, lithium and helium, and future critical minerals extraction and processing will continue to generate economic prosperity. Western Premiers call on the federal government to ensure the accelerated approval processes it identified in Budget 2023 are implemented in a timely manner.
Western Premiers discussed the federal Clean Fuel Regulations, the proposed Clean Electricity Regulations, and the oil and gas emissions cap. They call on the federal government to ensure federal climate policies recognize early and ongoing action by provinces and territories in these areas. Premiers affirmed that electricity and energy regulation is the exclusive jurisdiction of provinces and territories, and are taking action to reduce emissions. Federal policies must not infringe on their authority and must recognize their unique needs and situations.
Premiers discussed the impacts of these federal policies including overlap, affordability and inflationary impacts, feasibility and attainability.
Immigration
Immigration is critically important for supporting Western Canadian prosperity and vibrant communities.
Provinces and territories are best positioned to understand their labour markets and local needs. Western Premiers call for continued expansion of provinces’ and territories’ roles in economic immigration through continued growth of the Provincial and Territorial Nominee Program, and for the federal government to engage provinces and territories as full partners in Canada’s immigration system. To ensure successful integration, provinces and territories are committed to working closely with the federal government to align planned immigration levels with provincial and community capacity.
Western Premiers call on the federal government to accelerate its efforts to improve processing times for provincial nominees and other immigration streams so that the immigration system is more fair, timely, and responsive. Federal funding for settlement services is insufficient and should be enhanced and broadened. Also, it is important that interested jurisdictions have the opportunity for a larger role in settlement service delivery.
Western Premiers emphasized their commitment to supporting displaced Ukrainians. They noted that through the current Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, the federal government is not providing sufficient funding and support. They urgently called on the federal government to establish an improved program with a new funding partnership, particularly given the July 15 deadline for international applications to the CUAET.
Labour Markets and Mobility
All provinces and territories are experiencing the effects of a nationwide labour market shortage, particularly in the health care sector.
Western jurisdictions are committed to exploring opportunities for streamlined registration practices and will collaborate to remove barriers for workers trying to become licensed to work in their occupation of training.
Employment and training supports are important for a strong labour market. Western Premiers urge the federal government to work with provinces and territories on the renewal of Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTAs) to ensure long-term, stable federal funding. Premiers also discussed the federal government’s plans to modernize the Employment Insurance system and shared perspectives on potential changes, including employment benefits.
Arctic Security and Sovereignty
Recent events regarding foreign or unknown aerial and marine incursions into the Canadian Arctic have underscored the overdue need for national attention to Arctic security.
Federal partnership and investments supporting Arctic security and sovereignty need to be informed by the needs and interests of Northerners and build operational capabilities in the North and with the North.
The North holds natural resources critical to Canada’s future and a clean economy. Western Premiers call on the federal government to make the dual-use investments that bolster Canadian security and sovereignty, and that will also support economic opportunities in the North and foster strong, resilient Northern communities.
Community Safety
Premiers are committed to improving the safety and wellbeing of Western Canadian communities. Each jurisdiction is undertaking initiatives to combat crime, invest in mental health and addictions supports, and improve safety, particularly for vulnerable communities, including addressing racialized and gender-based violence, and pervasive violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.
Western Premiers urge the federal government to engage closely with provinces and territories in its development of First Nations policing legislation.
Western Premiers have advocated for changes to strengthen Canada’s bail system. Premiers are deeply disappointed that the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code have not been passed. It is critically important that the federal government prioritize and pass the amendments to improve the bail system and target repeat violent offenders and serious offences committed with firearms and other weapons. Western Premiers are committed to protecting Canadians from violence, addressing both urban and rural crime, and working with the federal government to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the correctional system. Policing is a key component of public safety and Western Premiers call on the federal government to work with provinces and territories to address chronic RCMP staffing shortages including in specialized units. They also call on the federal government to address the growing problem of privately made firearms, including “ghost guns” made with 3D printers.
In the wake of recent tragedies affecting communities and police officers, Western Premiers are committed to prioritizing seamless policing systems that protect the public and first responders.
Western Premiers support local governments advocating for federal financial support of the retroactive costs associated with the latest RCMP collective bargaining agreement and expect the federal government to consult with provinces and territories regarding future collective bargaining agreements that create financial obligations for provinces, territories, or municipalities.
The Yukon was confirmed as host for the next meeting of Western Premiers in 2024.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Cabinet and Treasury Board have voted to extend the fuel tax pause through the remainder of the year, fulfilling a promise made by Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservatives during the recent election campaign.
The rising cost of living is a top concern for Albertans and Alberta’s government remains committed to keeping everyday life more affordable by saving Albertans 13 cents per litre every time they fill up for the remainder of the year. This will help an Alberta family save between $6 and $18 every time they fill up their vehicle.
The fuel tax pause program has provided relief at a time of need and will continue to support Albertans. To date, Albertans have saved $1.5 billion and paid what have often been the lowest fuel prices in the country. Extending the pause will save another $520 million for Albertans.
“We are committed to keeping life affordable for Alberta families. Saving Albertans money when they fill up is Step 1 of this commitment. We will work every day to ensure that Alberta families can put more of their hard-earned money toward their essential needs.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Alberta’s government first introduced a pause on fuel taxes in April of 2022 and paused taxes again in January to help combat high inflation. Now, Albertans will continue to save the full 13-cent tax on every litre of gas and diesel regardless of oil prices until at least Dec. 31, thanks to another extension of the fuel tax pause.
Since beginning the program, Alberta families have regularly paid less for gas than Canadians across all other provinces. Currently, Alberta families pay an average of 141.4 cents per litre, well below the Canadian average of 158.8 cents per litre.
“These savings have and will continue to have a real impact on the pocketbooks of Albertans. This measure is just one of many to help Albertans with the rising cost of living and it’s relief we can provide thanks to Alberta’s strong fiscal position.”
Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
Alberta’s strong fiscal position allows the government to fund affordability measures like the fuel tax relief program while also continuing to save and build on Alberta’s economic advantage. Effective Jan. 1, Albertans will continue to benefit from the permanent fuel tax relief program that provides provincial fuel tax savings based on the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI).
With the federal government’s carbon tax increase in April, Albertans are now paying about 31 cents in federal taxes per litre of gas.
Quick facts
Alberta families currently pay the lowest for fuel across the country:
Alberta’s oil price-based fuel tax relief program will resume in 2024. The program saves Albertans some or all of the provincial fuel tax when average WTI prices exceed legislated thresholds:
WTI price (average per barrel)
Outcome
Fuel tax rate
$90 or more
Fuel tax collection paused
0 cents/litre
$85 to $89.99
Fuel tax reinstated partially
4.5 cents/litre
$80 to $84.99
Fuel tax reinstated partially
9 cents/litre
$79.99 or less
Fuel tax reinstated in full
13 cents/litre
The WTI price average is based on the 20 trading days of price data leading up to the 15th of the month preceding the start of the next quarter.
When reinstating the tax, the program limits the increase in tax from one quarter to the next to nine cents per litre to reduce price shock to consumers.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s new Emissions Reduction and Energy Development (ERED) Plan charts Alberta’s course for cutting emissions, attracting investment and growing the economy.
Albertans have been stewards of one of Canada’s largest economic engines, the oil and gas sector. For decades, Albertans have stepped up to deliver responsible, ethically produced energy, helping mitigate global energy crises and leading in technology innovation to reduce emissions.
The ERED Plan is Alberta’s path forward to net-zero aspirations by 2050 while maintaining affordable, reliable and secure energy for Albertans. The plan affirms that responsibly produced oil and gas will continue to be a fundamental part of the global energy mix in the coming decades while sending a clear signal to the world that Alberta is the place to invest.
“Our made-in-Alberta plan to reduce emissions while growing the economy is a plan that works for Albertans. This could never be a one-size-fits-all model passed on by the federal government. I’m so proud of the work that has been done to bring this forward. Alberta can, and will, be a part of the solution to safeguard North American and global energy security. We can make real progress on environmental protection without sacrificing Alberta’s and Canada’s economic engine.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Cutting emissions should not make life harder and more expensive. Actions in the ERED Plan like modernizing the electricity system, integrating new technology and supporting natural gas-fired generation will help keep energy reliable, safe and affordable for Albertans.
In February, Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, informing the federal government that a made-in-Alberta plan was on the way. Alberta’s government is calling on the federal government to stop setting unrealistic, unachievable targets, to stay in their lane and work with the provinces without interfering in provincial jurisdiction. Families need to keep the lights on, buy groceries and have enough gas in their car to get their kids to soccer practice without carrying the burden of expensive government climate policies.
Former premier Ralph Klein took the first step by putting out the first such plan in 1998. Since then, decades of hard work from the men and women who make their living in Alberta’s industries have led to today. The plan Alberta’s government is unveiling salutes the work done by Albertans over decades, culminating in a significant focus over the last four years, and charts the province’s next steps. More work is yet to be done.
“Alberta’s plan forward to reduce emissions while growing economic activity sets a course of success for our province. The conversation about emissions reduction must include energy security, affordability and reliability. This plan does exactly that.”
Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Alberta’s ERED Plan outlines investment and partnership opportunities, including ways to better support Alberta’s skilled workforce, strengthen relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities, and collaborate with industry. By driving emissions reductions in all sectors through clean technology and innovative solutions, Alberta’s plan protects and diversifies jobs and keeps money in the pockets of hard-working Albertans.
“Alberta will make an outsized contribution to Canada and the rest of the world by developing low-cost technologies towards successful decarbonization. Given Alberta’s ingenuity and energy expertise, it is in the best position to support Canada’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions in 2050.”
Jack Mintz, president’s fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
“Alberta has demonstrated tremendous leadership in economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples by creating opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in projects that will drive tangible economic benefits and prosperity for generations to come.”
Chana Martineau, CEO, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
The ERED Plan outlines actions and opportunities across Alberta’s environment and economy, from oil and gas to agriculture and waste management. A summary of actions is available on the ERED Plan website.
As part of Alberta’s work to address the rising cost of living due to inflation, the ERED Plan includes a commitment to explore building codes, labelling and building benchmarking, balancing informed consumer choice with property right considerations, and exploring and growing innovation and technology for homes like new building materials and heat pumps.
“The Pathways Alliance is encouraged by the Government of Alberta’s plan to reduce emissions and achieve net zero while ensuring industry can compete globally, attract investment and continue to provide economic growth and prosperity for Albertans and Canadians.”
Kendall Dilling, president, Pathways Alliance
“Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan presents evidence that Alberta does not require overlapping federal regulation to do what is necessary to meet net zero by 2050 goals. The plan’s net zero by 2050 aspiration is the statement that investors and analysts have been looking for as the overarching signal of commitment to emissions reductions action.”
Gary Mar, president and CEO, Canada West Foundation
Quick facts
Alberta was the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish a climate plan in 1998.
Alberta was the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce an industrial carbon price and emissions trading system in 2007.
Alberta was the first government in Canada to set a methane emissions reduction target for the oil and gas sector and is on track to meet and exceed its 2025 methane emissions reduction goal.
Alberta is expected to transition from coal-fired electricity in 2023, seven years ahead of provincial and federal targets.
The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Regulation, Alberta’s industrial carbon pricing system, is at the core of emissions management in Alberta.
From 2009 to 2021, $2.5 billion from industrial carbon pricing funds were invested in programs that support emissions reductions and climate resiliency.
Alberta is recognized as a leader in developing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology, committing more than $1.8 billion to support CCUS projects to date.
Oil and gas companies with unpaid property taxes will be forced to pay up.
The Government of Alberta is directing the Alberta Energy Regulator to withhold approval or transfer of industry licences unless proof of tax payment is provided.
This comes after the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) said members were owed $268 million in municipal taxes by the oil and gas industry. A cumulative $220 million in unpaid taxes was reported by municipalities – with $130 million in tax arrears, and the rest in cancellations.
“Our government is serious about addressing the ongoing problem of unpaid municipal taxes. This problem has lingered for far too long, and while some viable companies have started to pay their back taxes, others are still not getting the message,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs Rebecca Schulz.
“This direction to the Alberta Energy Regulator will have real consequences for those delinquent companies. In Alberta, we pay what we owe and it’s time to pay up.”
The departments of Energy and Municipal Affairs have worked together on this directive. Companies will now have to confirm their unpaid municipal taxes do not exceed the maximum threshold allowed. Alternatively, they can confirm they have a repayment agreement in place whenever they apply for new licences or for licence transfers because they’re seeking to sell their assets.
This measure will help reduce unpaid taxes and reassure municipalities and Albertans that companies are financially healthy and able to meet their tax obligations.
RMA President Paul McLauchlin said the RMA is pleased to see the province take action.
“Although only a small number of companies avoid their property tax payment obligations, this issue has had major fiscal impacts on rural municipalities across Alberta. As 41 per cent of unpaid taxes are owed by companies that are currently operating, we are optimistic that this change will have an immediate positive impact in rural Alberta,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the AER and relevant ministries to determine how our members can support the AER in enforcing this new requirement.”
Under Alberta’s liability management framework, the AER revised their licence eligibility requirements to include a more holistic assessment of a company’s financial health that is applied through the life cycle of an asset. The new directive strengthens the AER’s approach by making payment of municipal taxes a necessary and mandatory condition for approval, based on available data.
The maximum threshold will be determined after reviewing the AER’s analysis of current licensee information related to unpaid municipal taxes, and in consultation with Municipal Affairs and Energy.
Municipal Affairs and the AER will work together to create an annual list of companies whose unpaid municipal taxes exceed the threshold amount. Companies on this list will be targeted by the AER to provide proof of tax payment. This approach provides the most effective opportunity to collect taxes owed without increasing unnecessary red tape for the many companies already paying their taxes as required.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s Fuel Tax Relief Program will not be ending in June.
The Alberta government says Albertans will continue to benefit from the program after June 2023 based on the average price of oil.
The Fuel Tax Relief program was first introduced on April 1, 2022 and is designed to provide savings on a graduated scale. It is reviewed quarterly and remains in effect as long as the average price of WTI is above US$79.99 per barrel.
Fuel Tax Relief collection
+$90 WTI – Collection paused (0 cents/litre)
$85-$89.99 – Partial Collection (4.5 cents/litre)
$80 – $84.99 – Partial Collection (9 cents/litre)
$79.99 – Full Collection (13 cents/litre)
As of Dec. 31, 2022, the program provided Albertans with an estimated $850 million dollars in fuel tax relief. That was with a 4.5 cent/litre tax in place for the last quarter.
On Jan. 1, 2023 the government announced a full lifting of the 13.6 cent per litre provincial fuel tax on gasoline and diesel until June 30. Estimated savings for someone driving a car is $163 over six months, and $444 for someone driving a truck over the same time period.
These measures have made it possible for Alberta to have some of the lowest gas prices in Canada.
The provincial government is committed to making life more affordable for all Albertans through the Affordability Action Plan.
Albertans are currently enjoying the lowest fuel prices in Canada.
Alberta has an average gas price of 124.7 cents/litre, compared to the national average of 147.3 cents/litre.
In Red Deer-North, fuel prices sit around the 117.9 cents/litre mark.
These prices are achieved through the Alberta government’s affordability measures. This includes the cutting of the 13.6-cent provincial fuel tax on gas, diesel and farm fuel from Jan 1, 2023-June 30, 2023.
The estimated savings for someone driving a car is $163 over six months, and $444 for someone driving a truck over the same time period.
The provincial government is committed to making life more affordable for all Albertans through the Affordability Action Plan.
