Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Grant Hunter, has dismissed concerns that the upcoming separatist referendum could destabilize provincial and federal efforts to secure investment in a major oil pipeline to the West Coast. Speaking at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, Hunter emphasized that the separatist sentiment, while persistent, does not pose a threat to investment security at current levels.
Poll shows majority oppose separation
Hunter's remarks come in the wake of an Angus Reid Institute poll released on Friday, which indicated that 60% of Albertans would vote against the official referendum question scheduled for October. The minister noted that if support for separation were closer to 45 or 50%, it might create investment insecurity, but the current numbers are reassuring.
MOU seen as forward-thinking
Hunter highlighted the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Canada and Alberta late last year, which came into effect this month. The agreement aims to collaborate on major energy, emissions, and resource projects, including a proposed new oil pipeline, carbon capture expansion, electricity grid upgrades, and emissions-reduction initiatives. Hunter described the MOU as "forward-thinking" and "innovative," striking the right balance for the province's future.
During the Western Premiers' Conference in Kananaskis, the MOU dominated discussions among premiers. Hunter stated, "The fact is, we're getting outcomes that we are looking for and we've been looking for, for a long time. Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to see Alberta thrive."
Carbon pricing reforms
The MOU also reforms Alberta's TIER carbon pricing system by gradually increasing industrial carbon prices and strengthening carbon credit rules. The federal government accepted Alberta's preferred headline price of $130 per tonne by 2030, rather than the originally proposed $170 per tonne. Hunter argued that the lower price protects competitiveness and local investment, stating, "We were the first to put an industrial price on carbon but our approach has been different than the Trudeau or NDP price. We believe that you put the money in and we basically give it back to you to innovate and make your position stronger in the world market."
The minister expressed confidence that the MOU and ongoing collaboration with Ottawa will address long-standing grievances that have fueled separatist movements over the past decade, ensuring Alberta's economic growth and stability.
