In June of this year we reported on the provincial government's "re-thinking" of the climate change file. At that time the government announced modifications to the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation ("SGER") and the creation of a Panel to report on the views of Albertans vis-à-vis climate change policy. The government has recently announced both the composition and timeline for the Panel.
In addition to Andrew Leach, the chair, the panel will consist of four other members:
- Gord Lambert, president and chief collaboration officer of GRL Collaboration for Sustainability, formerly with Suncor Energy
- Linda Coady, chief sustainability officer for Enbridge Inc.
- Stephanie Cairns, principal of Wrangellia Consulting, and a Pembina Institute board member.
- Angela Adams, director of education with Unifor, and a trustee with the Fort McMurray Public School District
Minister Phillips has requested the Panel provide their report by late October or early November. The government has also signaled that it wishes to have an Alberta Climate policy in place prior to the United Nations Conference of the Parties being in held in Pairs, France in December.
While the Panel has yet to carry out its public consultation and reporting, one outcome seems certain - an increase in reduction targets for Alberta emitters. The more pressing issue is how the government will seek to achieve this outcome. Will SGER be a meaningful model or revoked in favour of a new approach? Will government continue to target industry or will consumers be called upon to contribute in meaningful ways?
McLennan Ross will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as they become available.
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