Alberta and Ontario teaming up on climate change initiatives

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne emerged from a meeting in Edmonton Thursday morning to announce the provinces are teaming up on initiatives to tackle climate change.

The premiers announced a new memorandum of understanding between Alberta's Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation and Ontario Centres of Excellence.

The deal commits the two organizations to examining opportunities, including but not limited to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the production, transportation and use of natural resources in Alberta and Ontario.

The provinces also hope to accelerate the development of renewable energy and energy storage, and foster new and innovative uses of carbon dioxide

"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a challenge shared by all provinces, and by working together we can advance clean technology, diversify our respective economies and create good jobs," said Notley.

Wynne complimented Notley's leadership on climate change control in Alberta and across the country, including the Alberta government'srecently introduced carbon tax.

"I think it makes a real difference in the national conversation and in national progress, the work that is being done here in Alberta," Wynne said.

She said the economies of both provinces stand to benefit from the new memorandum.

Premiers makeprogress on Energy East

The premiers also spoke about the proposed Energy East pipeline, which Notley has advocated for in Eastern Canada since she was elected last year.

Wynne said Alberta's action on climate change has gone a long way toward bridging the gap between the two provinces when it comes to their views on the pipeline.

But the Ontario premier would not go so far as to pledge support for the project, which would carry oilsands products to the East coast.

Ontario premier supports Alberta's climate leadership plan

8 years ago

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Asked whether she would support more pipelines out of Alberta, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she sees the need to get Alberta fuel to eastern markets safely and efficiently.

"It's very important to me that within the context of the Canadian Energy Strategy, we find a way to support the environmentally responsible transportation of fuel," she said.

"The conversation, which is a national conversation is a much easier one because of the work that Alberta is doing."

She said companies that wish to build cross-country pipelines must abide by technical standards and environmentally friendly practices to win Ontario's support.

She said she looks forward to discussing the proposal further as part of the Canadian energy strategy.

Wynne will be inCalgaryFriday delivering a luncheon speech to theChamber of Commerce.