CMEDIA: Alberta government reportedly is freezing its industrial carbon price effective immediately at $95 per tonne of emissions, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces.
Smith told reporters Monday the move is critical to keep industry competitive and defend jobs as Canada navigates a tariff fight with the United States.
“With the change in government south of the border, it is essential that we have a reasonable carbon pricing system…the businesses that contribute so much to all of Canada….we are supporting the energy producers whose expertise…literally shaping the world’s energy future,” Smith said.
According to a news release, tariffs being imposed by the U.S. are “increasing costs, disrupting supply chains and creating uncertainty for industry.”
The price had been set to rise to $110 per tonne in 2026 and to continue increasing to $170 per tonne by 2030.
Going over $100 a tonne would make the province “wildly uncompetitive,” Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz said
She said the freeze, which is indefinite, doesn’t mean Alberta is giving up on its emission reduction goals.
“We are absolutely a leader when it comes to energy and resource development, but also when it comes to emissions reduction…Instead of punishing our industry, we want to allow them to grow, thrive, continue to increase production and reduce global emissions all at the same time,” Schulz said.
