Manitoba’s Brian Pallister calling on feds for a fresh evaluation of their Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, and to cap the carbon tax on Manitobans

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says,
"We will make that gas greener"

Manitoba will have the cleanest fuel standards in Canada by increasing the ethanol and biodiesel content of its transportation fuels as it implements its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, Premier Brian Pallister announced yesterday during his dignitary address at the annual Manitoba Ag Days exhibition.

“We have the cleanest electricity in Canada already and soon we will have the cleanest fuels in Canada too,” said Pallister.  “Manitoba is leading the country once again.”

The new clean fuel standards, which Pallister announced, will reduce Manitoba’s emissions by almost 400,000 tonnes cumulatively over the next five years.  This is the equivalent of taking 100,000 vehicles of the road.

“Agriculture always has been and always will be the key to Manitoba’s economic success,” said Pallister.  “As an important economic driver, our agriculture industry cannot take its foot off the gas, so we will make that gas greener.”

Manitoba will increase the ethanol content requirement of gasoline to 10 per cent from 8.5 per cent, and the biodiesel content of diesel to five per cent from two per cent, the premier noted.  Consultations with industry, stakeholders and all Manitobans will take place in the coming months and any necessary regulation changes will be made this spring, he added.

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, the premier called on the federal government for a fresh evaluation of the province’s Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan to cap the carbon tax on Manitobans.
 
“Manitobans deserve respect for our green agenda, our historic and significant investments in clean, green renewable energy,” said Pallister. 

“Our plan puts a price on carbon that is low and level, like the Prairies, and keeps more money in the pockets of Manitobans while getting the same amount of emissions reductions as the rising federal carbon tax.  

Our Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan is better for the economy, better for the environment and better for Manitoban families.”