Thoughts on BC Politics and More

  When asked recently about the collateral damage to other provinces resulting from Alberta walking away from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) with over half its assets, Premier Smith declared, “I’ve got to put the interests of Albertans first.” When it comes to Alberta’s concerns about the collateral damage of Ottawa’s proposed Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), the same Premier Smith is convinced that a national ad campaign will generate some sympathy for our cause. Now, it may well be that other provinces have varying levels of concern over the CER, but it’s rather conceited of us to believe that we must call their attention to that fact. Ultimately, though, the idea that we can have it both ways here is wishful thinking at best. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a lot of that from the government as of late ... CLICK HERE for the full story

  Saskatchewan’s electricity regulator says achieving the Liberal government’s 2035 target year to decarbonize the province’s electricity grid is impossible .    According to an interview with the outlet Pipeline Online, SaskPower spokesperson Scott McGregor said that the Clean Electricity Regulations unveiled by Liberal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault last week were unfeasible in every aspect.    “SaskPower is working as fast as it can to decarbonize the power grid while also providing reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective power,” McGregor told the outlet.     “We’re committed to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions power system and we’re on track to do so by 2050 or earlier. We’re also on track to reduce GHG emissions by 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. However, reaching net zero by 2035 isn’t feasible technically, logistically, or financially" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

  Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement in response to the federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations released Aug. 10: “The draft federal 2035 net-zero power grid regulations are unconstitutional, irresponsible and do not align with Alberta’s emissions reduction and energy development plan that works towards a carbon-neutral power grid by 2050. “These regulations make desperately needed investments in new natural gas generation almost impossible. If implemented in Alberta, these regulations would endanger the reliability of Alberta’s power grid and cause massive increases in Albertans’ power bills. “Alberta’s government will protect Albertans from these unconstitutional federal net-zero regulations. They will not be implemented in our province – period. “One of the only positives at this point is that these are ‘draft’ regulations and Alberta is about to commence a working group with the federal government to discuss how to brin...