Current Priorities
Highlighting the policies that impact Albertans.
Accelerate investment in key industries to enhance competitiveness and economic growth
Alberta’s resource sectors—oil sands, natural gas, critical minerals, forestry, agriculture—are all globally significant. As well, value-added investments (e.g., petrochemicals, processing, manufacturing) have considerable potential and enhance diversification and job creation. Such investments require a competitive environment in terms of taxes, regulations, energy costs, and emissions policy. A more competitive landscape would help attract industries like data centres, nuclear development, and critical mineral processing.
It is important that we support those industries in Canada where we have a comparative advantage, such as oil sands, LNG, petrochemicals and food processing. We support efforts to expedite “national projects” including regulatory streamlining and improved infrastructure. We also need to address various policies that create costs impacting competitiveness.
Ensure trade policies reflect and take advantage of what Alberta has to offer the world
Certain of our key industries are materially adversely impacted by trade-related retaliation. For example, the canola industry (wherein Canada has a comparative advantage) has been hit by retaliatory responses to Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese EVs. It is important that the Federal Government treat the interests of such sectors as a priority, not a collateral by-product. There is a need for necessary policies and support systems when sectors are impacted by unfair trade related penalties.
Find realistic ways for GHG policy to address the global nature of emissions, while not impacting competitiveness
GHG emissions should be addressed globally, not just locally. Annual emissions growth in Asia-particularly from coal-fired power plants – exceeds Canada’s global emissions. Canada’s inability to develop and export LNG contributes directly to Asian coal use. West coast LNG would offer a cleaner energy alternative, reducing emissions by up to 50%. We should aggressively encourage LNG investment to displace coal in Asia, including pursuing incentives and streamlining of regulatory processes. This focus on large scale global emission reduction can be achieved at a lower cost per tonne of emission reduced than much of the domestic compliance requirements that impair competitiveness.
As well, Alberta is a leader in technological innovation, including CCUS, blue hydrogen, renewables, and methane reduction. Oil sands emissions intensity has dropped 28% since 2009, even as production increased. Government policy should continue to support innovation and emissions reduction, while ensuring a competitive economy which attracts investment and promotes job creation.