Premier wants ‘Made in Manitoba’ plan

In an announcement on Thursday June 29, 2017 Premier Brian Pallister said that his government has responded to the federal government on its proposed backstop and benchmarks for carbon pricing.

In the response the province said that they highlighted the major investments Manitoba has already made in renewable energy, namely Hydro. They also notified the feds that the province will be seeking a legal opinion on its right to develop a ‘made in Manitoba’ plan.

“Our province is a leader in clean energy and the federal government should credit the significant investments Manitobans have made over the last few decades,” said Pallister.  “The federal government can provide flexibility and recognition for ongoing efforts in each province and territory rather than impose its carbon pricing policy.  For this reason, we are seeking a legal opinion on whether the provincial government has the jurisdiction to implement a made-in-Manitoba plan without interference from the federal government.”

Carbon pricing has been a point of contention between the provincial and federal governments since the idea was first introduced. Pallister has long been on record that he wants a made in Manitoba plan to deal with issue.

On June 9th the Canadian Government released a technical paper on the national carbon pricing backstop as asked for feedback from provincial and territorial governments before the end of the month.

According to the premier the federal plan does not take into account provincial plans that he says would actually further national objectives on greenhouse-gas reductions. Manitoba accounts for less than 3% of Canada’s total carbon emissions Pallister said.

-News 4 –

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