Canada may drop oil cap, weigh new climate competitiveness strategy, sources say

  • Canada's government is weighing scrapping a federal oil and gas emissions cap as part of a new climate strategy if Alberta and energy companies commit to alternative emissions-cutting measures such as carbon capture.
Canada Securities

Canada is in talks with Alberta and energy firms about dropping its planned federal cap on oil and gas emissions in exchange for new commitments to cut the industry’s carbon footprint, according to sources.

Reuters reporting. In summary:

The cap, drafted under former PM Justin Trudeau but not yet legislated, aimed to slash sector emissions 37% below 2022 levels by 2030. Oil producers have opposed the measure, warning it would force production cuts.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who campaigned on both protecting jobs from U.S. tariffs and keeping the cap, is now considering replacing it with a broader “climate competitiveness strategy” focused on investments and practical emissions reductions. Any removal of the cap would hinge on Alberta and the industry advancing projects such as Pathways’ carbon capture plan.

Critics warn Canada risks missing its 2030 climate targets as oil sands emissions keep rising.

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