(Ottawa) Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet fears an increase in Alberta oil production following Justin Trudeau’s pledge at COP26 to cap greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from this industry.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Blanchet argued that Ottawa is subsidizing the industry up to $ 675 million to support its transition, which could effectively reduce GHG emissions per barrel produced. With a fixed emissions cap, if each barrel produced emits less GHGs, this would allow the industry to produce more while respecting the cap imposed by Ottawa.
Such a result would be contrary to the objectives sought, according to Mr. Blanchet, since emissions would continue at the same rate and there would therefore be no effect on climate change.
The Bloc leader believes that there should instead be a federal cap on oil production and not on its GHG emissions.
In addition, when asked about the hostile reception received by the new Minister of the Environment Steven Guilbeault from the Conservatives and several circles in Western Canada who criticize him for his past activism, Yves-François Blanchet considers on the contrary that we need activists in politics.